Have a heart!
I am shocked at the perception that the reader Mohammad has conveyed in his letter to the editor of the duties and responsibilities of a wife (‘Letters to the editor: She should be home,’ Gulf News, November 9). Please don’t justify your views as the way of Islam. Islam gives equal rights to women in all aspects of life. It is of course a woman’s duty to follow her husband, but on the flip side, it is a husband’s duty to fulfil her wishes and give her a life that makes her happy. Fourteen hundred years ago, the first woman of Islam, Khadija bint Khuwaylid was a tradeswoman, highly educated and asked the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) for his hand in marriage because she thought he was a thorough gentleman. It is insecure people who would divorce a woman because she wants to further her education. Have a heart, Mohammad.
From Ms Sabah Asim
Dubai
Israeli aggression continues
After 52 days of war in Gaza and the killing of over 2,000 Palestinians, including six hundred innocent children, Israeli atrocities and aggression continue (‘Israel to bulldoze Palestinian homes in Jerusalem,’ Gulf News, November 8). Israel’s illegal settlements, the killing of innocent unarmed civilians and the closure of Al Aqsa Mosque have become the biggest challenges for the conscience of the modern world. Israel just announced 20 years imprisonment for adults and children alike, for throwing stones. More than 30 children have been arrested after recent agitations and protests - some of them younger than 10 years old.
Israel has demolished several houses belonging to suspected militants and using capital punishment as a war weapon. In his address, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to use further aggressive measures against protestors. Israel has deployed several thousands of extra security personnel around Al Aqsa Mosque. Tensions are growing high. The reality is that Israeli aggression and the silence of the United Nations (UN) and the modern world is a big threat to the security of the whole region.
Jordan has recalled its ambassador to Israel after Israeli forces and right wing activists stormed Al Aqsa Mosque and forcibly closed the mosque. Despite growing tension, the Israeli barbaric use of force is still continuing in the region and things are going from bad to worse.
From Mr Khawaja Omar Farooq
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
A similar issue!
After going through one of the consumer’s complaint in your recent article, I would like to contribute my rather worst experience with a bank (‘Letters to the editor: Forced credit card fee,’ Gulf News, November 9). As the story goes, a year ago, a sales representative visited my work place regularly and implored me to take a credit card from him, which is free for a lifetime and will help him to meet his target. He also said that I can cancel the card after receiving it! I felt pity on him and accepted as it was free for life and it was favourable for the person. After receiving the card, I just kept it and did not activate or use it. To my surprise this year, a week before I received a statement that stated that I have to pay Dh1,300 that included an annual fee and a late fee for the card, which I have never used or activated. After seeing this, I felt cheated by the bank and the sales representative. Immediately I gave a call to the call centre and enquired with them, but the call centre agent said that I have to pay the amount immediately or else every month the charge will keep on increasing. I asked him further why they didn’t try to contact me or send me an email to notify me, but the agent said that they do not have my email address and the contact information was wrong. I was really shocked!
From Mr Ratan Rai
UAE
Opening minds
Dan Brown’s statement at the Sharjah International Book Fair regarding religion and science is inspiring (‘Dan Brown reflects on religion and science,’ Gulf News, November 8). Books open the minds of the people and teach them moral values and how to articulate self-discipline.
The book fair has brought so many cultural and religious dialogues into one place, trying to teach that the strongest is not the one who has power, but the one who has knowledge. Reading opens the mind and closes the doors of ignorance.
From Syed Emad Al Deen
Dubai
Driving recklessly
Many accidents have taken place due to reckless driving (’39 vehicles confiscated during Sharjah traffic campaign,’ Gulf News, November 9). People are nowadays being careless on roads. This happens mainly because of the usage of technologies like mobile phones and chatting while driving a car, which causes distractions and leads to accidents. Another reason of road accidents on highways in the UAE is due to over speeding and drunk driving. We can reduce these accidents by increasing security through these campaigns, especially during the night time.
So it is a humble request for all drivers to be careful while driving and obey the traffic rules.
From Ms Aleena Roy
Dubai
Drivers risking my life
I am in sales and my job is quite demanding, as I am constantly on the move. I have been noticing for a couple of months now the way the other drivers on the road are glued to their mobiles while driving on a busy road. Even in traffic or just generally, where the speeds range from really slow to really fast on highways. I see most of the drivers, be it male or female and any nationality, have their phones in their hand with their eyes moving from the road to their mobile devices.
It scares me that while I am on the road: no matter how careful I am being, I could easily become a victim of road rage just because of someone else’s mistakes. I am talking from my own experiences. I see hundreds of car passing by me on the road, and I would say that 60 per cent of the cars are using the same practice. I would be grateful if strict fines are imposed on this, as this will result in major and fatal accidents.
One more thing I want to bring to notice is that my office is in Deira, and I also see the cyclists or the delivery messengers driving in the middle of the road, where there is two-way traffic. I have seen many of them riding bicycles and riding as if they are not aware of the consequences, nor are the drivers showing much consideration for them. It’s just a matter of thought and matter of awareness.
From Mr Haresh Kheskani
UAE
A walk for life
As a student in this country, I was motivated to raise awareness about diabetes by joining the walk to beat diabetes this year at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi (‘More than 20,000 walk to beat diabetes,’ Gulf News, November 8). I have seen my friend’s mother suffering from this disease and she has had to live with insulin and glucometers. She is just one of the many UAE residents who may have fallen prey to the sugar epidemic.
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate and currently affects over 382 million people worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 19 per cent of UAE’s adult population is living with diabetes, which is considered to be the second highest rate in the world.
A sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits are cited as the main causes of the increasing prevalence of Type Two diabetes in the UAE. Early detection of diabetes can lead to the prevention of the disease altogether. With the implementation of lifestyle changes, it can greatly reduce the risk of related complications including blindness, heart attack and stroke. It is reported that older people could reduce the risk of developing Type Two diabetes by taking short walks after meals.
The walk has gone a long way to encourage a healthy lifestyle by raising awareness with their campaign’s message of adopting a balanced diet and taking a 30-minute brisk walk each day.
People from all ages and economic backgrounds joined and got educated about diabetes in a fun way in a beautiful setting. I completed the 5.5km walk and though I felt very tired at the end of it, I was happy that in a small way I could make a visible contribution to the community by supporting healthy exercise.
From Mr Amiteash Paul
Dubai
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