The US can ill afford Trump administration’s shutdown

Our readers have their say on the US shutdown, yellow vest protests and waste

The U.S. Capitol stands at sunset in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018. A Senate vote on a bipartisan budget deal that would avert a government shutdown is being held up by a Kentucky Republican who objects to higher spending, raising the risk of a temporary lapse of federal funding if Congress cant act by a midnight deadline. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

The US Capitol building in Washington is heading into the third week of a shutdown. Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg

I refer to your article Walls are as much a state of mind as they are physical structures (January 9): Rashmee Roshan Lall's opinion piece on how the recent US shutdown, which is now in its third week over the contentious US-Mexico border wall, could have made US President Donald Trump more popular with his base was an interesting read.

In the history of the US administration, Mr Trump is the first leader to devise his own unique strategy to handle illegal immigration from Mexico, ostensibly to protect US borders and citizens.

But while that might be a priority for Mr Trump and those who elected him, it is extremely unpalatable to others.

As Ms Roshan Lall has rightly pointed out in this insightful piece, it is a certain state of mind that leads politicians and leaders to build walls.

But in doing so, they often ignore other important aspects of governance, including trade, bilateral relationships with neighbours and tourism.

If the wall is built – and perhaps even if it is not – the US will find itself isolated, which the nation can ill afford, despite its immense wealth.This is a sad state of affairs indeed.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Confrontations only lead to more hostility and anger

I write in reference to your article Macron toughens stance against 'yellow vest' protesters (January 7). Confrontations usually lead nowhere and only create and foster further indiscipline and hostility. Dialogue is the best option if held face to face in a friendly environment.

Both parties in this dispute in France must try to avert an unpleasant situation that will bring neither of them any benefit.

Name withheld by request

We should all do what we can to eliminate rubbish

I refer to your article Why plogging is the social media fitness craze that needs to catch on in the UAE (January 4): personally, I always pick up rubbish on my walks and people look at me like I'm crazy.

Rania Ziad Jishi, UAE

Kudos to Sheikh Mohammed, a moderate Arab leader

I write in reference to your article No Emirati will be left behind: Sheikh Mohammed reviews UAE Cabinet plans for 2019 (January 9). I think Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is one of the most moderate Arab leaders today.

Emin Tamer, UAE