The singer Leslie Gore rehearses at the piano in 1966. A reader recalls the history of her hit song 'It's My Party' with the young producer Quincy Jones. Dan Grossi / AP
The singer Leslie Gore rehearses at the piano in 1966. A reader recalls the history of her hit song 'It's My Party' with the young producer Quincy Jones. Dan Grossi / AP

Adrenaline rush for India-Pakistan cricket match



In the sports article When the rivalry boils over (March 30), Kumar Shyam recalled five classic one-day matches between India and Pakistan. This indeed is a well written article, but slightly biased since of the five matches mentioned, there's only one match in Pakistan's favour. Keeping in mind the amazing cricketing history we have, I am sure if the writer did his research more efficiently, he would have found numerous other matches which were worth a mention. But then again, I guess the India versus Pakistan match has triggered an adrenaline rush and he was just being patriotic, I guess.

Fawad Naz, Abu Dhabi

This has reference to the letter of Amir Shah, Cricket match to boost peace (March 29), commenting on my letter entitled An insensitive invitation (March 27). Mr Shah would like to focus on the cricket and forget the 179 people killed and 300 wounded in the November 26 Mumbai attacks.

The entire world knows that Pakistan was involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Yet, many Pakistan's leaders continue to deny this.

The facts are that cricket diplomacy comprising of prime ministers and presidents of India and Pakistan watching cricket together has been reduced to a two-penny farce. Pakistan's leadership and military elite are jealous and insecure about India. They have no genuine interest in peace with India. Peace would destroy many careers in Pakistan, because hatred of India has become a raison d'être.

Peace requires integrity of purpose. Pakistan's leadership lacks this. They are putty in the hands of the religious fanatics and the military elite of the country.

India should leave the peace process alone and just focus on its own security and economic growth.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

An ironic change of slogans

In response to the editorial As Libyan crisis deepens, West's role must grow (March 29), it seems "America, Go Home!" has morphed into "America, How Can You Just Stand There And Do Nothing?"

Ted Baxter, Dubai

The beginning of a new Arab era

This has reference to Michael Theodoulou's detailed analysis 'Suddenly it's cool to be Arab' (March 29). I have been keenly observing the Arab world for the last three years, after settling in the UAE. After interacting with university students and faculty members, I realise their hardworking and responsible natures, their vibrant and revolutionary minds.

In various conferences, I have been overwhelmed to see anger, protest, passion and impatience for change among the youths representing different Arab countries. They are adept with new technologies and social media. They are also like volcanoes waiting to explode.

The revolution has come. It is a reality. The new generation are expressing themselves to redefine their roles and importance and defy the iron hand of outdated social norms. Above all, the revolution provides them an opportunity to uphold their dignity, freedom and self-respect and to protest against corruption and resistance to change. A new renaissance of the Arab world has come. Arabs will emerge as the most dynamic people in the world.

Dr Raju Mathew, Al Ain

UAE could co-host Fifa World Cup

I refer to a sports article of a few months ago UAE must join Qatar in 2022. With a land area of 10,836 square kilometres, Qatar is too small to host such a mega event like the Fifa World Cup. I think Qatar should seriously consider the United Arab Emirates, a country with the world's best infrastructure and sports facilities, to co-host the world's most spectacular event.

Matiur Rahman, Bangladesh

The story behind the hit song

I refer to Quincy Jones just can't stop the music (March 29). Jones's work on Amy Winehouse's cover of It's My Party has brought renewed attention to one of the great girl singers of the 1960s, Lesley Gore. It's My Party was the first number one hit produced by a young Quincy Jones.

Phil Spector also loved this song and produced a version at the same time with The Blossoms. But Jones pulled off a clever trick to get Lesley Gore's version out first. It was an immediate hit and Spector never released The Blossoms' version.

Jensen Lee, Abu Dhabi

Make trailer lights mandatory

There are many vehicles on the roads towing trailers, boats, and jet skis without having proper taillights. There should be a law requiring vehicle operators to connect the tail lights of the trailers to the towing vehicle. Simply having the hazard lights on is not an adequate safety measure for the drivers who are following in traffic.

Cora Yanacek, Abu Dhabi

Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development