This refers to the article FIFA's turn to be confident about Brazil's World Cup (June 6). Many local groups are protesting against the expenditure Brazil is incurring to host the World Cup. The Sao Paulo Metro staff also went on a strike recently.
These protests are lamentable at this time as they will sully Brazil’s reputation as an excellent host for the most prestigious global football event.
Some groups are using the international media to express their grievances. Surely there are many problems in the country, but is this the time to highlight them?
I lived in Brazil for a few years and I know how much Brazilians love football. If so, then why not let the event be held smoothly and keep domestic issues for later? Brazil has won the World Cup five times. The whole world stops to watch Brazil play football. Therefore, my humble appeal to protesters is this: please let the games proceed.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
Why should US help others?
The cartoon of June 5 shows the US secretary of state, John Kerry, in Lebanon and President Obama hiding behind a door. Fair enough, but why does the US always have to solve others’ problems? It’s true that many countries are descending into chaos as the US wants them to solve their own problems, but I think the US should not always get involved in others’ affairs and risk the lives of its people.
Moreover, when they try to help others, they face severe criticism. And when they don’t, they’re seen as cowards.
I am not an American, and there are many things I dislike about the US, but I very much support their current policy of staying away from others’ troubles.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Women are unsafe outside war zones
This refers to the opinion article by Angelina Jolie and William Hague We must fight against war zone rape (June 9). It's heartbreaking that the cries of these women are not reaching the rest of the world. But it's not just war zones where women are exploited and mistreated.
In India, for instance, women are endlessly harassed and sexually assaulted. This has been happening for years. There are many other countries that are not war zones, where women cannot live with dignity.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Etihad needs to focus on economy
It's sad that Etihad Airways has pulled out of the aviation industry's biggest awards scheme, the Skytrax Airline rating system, in a row over the way airlines are rated (Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways withdraws from Skytrax awards scheme, June 9).
The airline cannot dislike the body just because it has been ranked low. Etihad is a good airline, but in recent years the standards provided to ordinary economy-class passengers have been compromised. At the same time, ticket prices have been climbing.
Stefanos Boulanikian, Greece
Favour tenants to boost property
What is the solution to this crazy increase in property prices (Dubai and Abu Dhabi rental yields may indicate overheating, says UAE Central Bank, June 9)?
People should be allowed to pay rents on a monthly basis. This way those who want to stay for a few months will not hesitate to come here. This is the practice in most parts of the world.
It will be hard to attract people without ensuring that such practices are in place.
Farhana Hassan, Dubai
Labourers deserve better treatment
I really don't understand how the labourers manage to work in this heat (Fines for companies who do not enforce UAE midday work ban, June 3). I can't even walk outside for 15 minutes. These men who help build the country deserve better treatment. Companies for which they work should realise that through these men that they have become rich.
Val Long, Dubai
When it gets too hot, I distribute water bottles to these men. I wish everyone showed sympathy towards them.
Rejane Serao, Abu Dhabi
Preclearance is time-consuming
This is in reference to the news report The National puts US pre-clearance at Abu Dhabi Airport to the test (June 8). There are not separate queues for business or first-class passengers for US pre-clearance, so I don't see how the writer was ushered through unless the authorities knew she was a journalist.
I stood in line for over 45 minutes for a flight to JFK (business class) less than two weeks ago. For business and first-class passengers it is slower than doing it the other end when you are first off the plane. She was also lucky to get a seat in the business lounge as it’s frequently too full to even sit down.
Keren Bobker, Dubai