Unacceptable
The Israeli air strike in Palestine is a shocking injustice against the territorial and political aspirations of Gazans ("Arab world in shock after attacks", Gulf News, December 28). Israel should pay for their aggression and face both political and diplomatic consequences. No state has the right to block another peoples' access to the world. This includes access to essential markets, vital food supplies and fuel, and raw materials. Israel has overstepped the line and I urge Palestinians everywhere to file charges against Israel at the United Nations and International Court of Justice in The Hague.
From Ms Doris Cadigan
Massachusetts, USA
The season of giving
With the festive season passing by, I found it natural that it was a time to exchange gifts. Children especially, are very enthusiastic during such occasions, as they look forward to special gifts. However, what is the best kind of present? Wouldn't it be better to give a child a book as a gift, instead of a violent video game? Books can be treasured for life and even handed over to the next generation. Moreover, I wonder why we require diamonds and other expensive gifts to measure our love towards our partners. Instead, we could buy our dear ones something they actually require and spend the remaining amount in charity. It would give the less fortunate a reason to celebrate, too.
From Mr Shafeeque Babu
Dubai
Celebrating together
I arrived in Dubai on Christmas Eve, with the intention of visiting my family. That night, we had a get-together at home with some of my son's colleagues and family friends. Christmas day brought us together again for a festive bash at home, complete with a beautiful tree, decorative ornaments and flashing lights. Everyone enjoyed thoroughly, especially me, as it was my first Christmas in Dubai. The beauty of it all was that none of our guests were Christians! Yet, they participated in the celebrations and joined us in exchanging gifts during the festive season.
From Mr T. V. Rao
Dubai
Vanishing treasure
This is in response to a report in Gulf News about the destruction of a historical cavern in Jebel Ali. It is a senseless act! Developers and businessmen have deprived future generations of heritage that is rightfully theirs. I sympathise with Hussain Al Badi of the Emirates Centre of Heritage, History and Culture, but feel that as long as the UAE has passionate men like him, there is still hope that not all the country's treasures will vanish. I feel devastated. As a former tour guide, I always told my clients about the legend of Jebel Ali when taking them past that famous landmark. Dubai has become a poorer place due to this wanton destruction.
From Ms Heidi Duncan
South Africa
Thousand words
It is said - "a picture is worth more than a thousand words". While many readers comment on the content of reports, I believe the illustrations by Gulf News artists are marvellous. Images often succinctly and swiftly portray the essence and mood of the accompanying comments. These oft-forgotten but critical illustrators certainly deserve a worthy mention.
From Mr Akshay Dasani
Dubai
Tough situation
A short while ago, an internet slowdown cast a wrench in the normal routine of residents around the UAE ("Internet slowdown exasperates residents", Gulf News, December 28). The work of many organisations was badly affected. Nowadays, the entire world functions with the help of information technology and such disturbances would certainly affect global businesses. I hope such slowdowns do not occur again in this region.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman
The right step
I smoke shisha, but prefer to do it in the privacy of my home ("Deadline looms for Dubai shisha cafes", Gulf News, December 29). Nowadays, shisha cafes have become too crowded and suffocating, posing as a detriment to many residents. Banning shisha cafes is another step towards a caring and health-conscious society.
From Mr Fadi Antoine
Dubai
Website comment
Too much noise
As a shisha cafe is located in my apartment building, I often find that such places are a huge nuisance. I am for the banning of shisha outdoors, because not only is it unhealthy, but the cafes are usually open till late at night. Customers tend to make a great deal of noise, too.
From Ms Usha Satta
Dubai
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Second-hand smoking
I do not smoke shisha and extend my full support for the ban. It is a decision that promotes good health, especially since I have heard that shisha is more harmful than cigarettes. Imagine how bad it would be for non-smokers, who are forced to inhale second-hand shisha smoke in such cafes.
From Mr Avelino De Guzman
Abu Dhabi
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Marked in history
US President George W. Bush will be best remembered because of the disruptive administration he led during his presidency ("First Lady and Rice defend Bush", Gulf News, December 29). His years as president include one of the worst wars in history - the war in Iraq - which resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and soldiers.
From Ms Sharifa Al Maawali
Dubai
Website comment
Laura is right
Whether or not Laura Bush's views of her husband are independent is irrelevant. The fact is - she is right. There have been no more terrorist attacks on US soil in the last seven years and millions in Iraq and Afghanistan are free of the governments that oppressed them.
From Mr John
Abu Dhabi
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