Impounding car is a good idea

Readers applaud Dubai's plan to seize cars of those who use mobiles while driving. Other topics: Cuba, Middle East crisis, RAK, Afghan women

Readers back Dubai’s plan to seize the cars of those using mobiles while driving. Pawan Singh / The National

I applaud Dubai's plan to impound cars of those who use mobile phones while driving. However, enforcement is key to curbing bad driving practices as you have pointed out in your editorial Enforcement is the answer to bad driving (January 29).

Too many people have the habit of using mobiles behind the wheel. As a result, accidents have been increasing.

The police must make serious efforts to dissuade drivers from doing this.

Kennedy Prakash, Dubai

I believe it would be better to impound the SIM card or the handset.

Maria Malmivaara, Dubai

The Middle East crisis is all about geopolitics

The parallels drawn between Europe in the 17th century and the Middle East of today in the opinion article Why the Peace treaty of 1648 merits scrutiny today? (January 29) to suggest that Syrian peace talks take its cue from the peace of Westphalia Treaty are far-fetched.

The argument that the Reformation Movement in Europe can be compared to the 1970s’ Islamic Revolution in Iran is preposterous. Neither the current crisis in Syria, nor any other country in the Middle East for that matter, did stem from a Reformation Movement against the monopoly of a conservative religious administration.

The crisis, which had its origin in the uprisings against the oppression of Bashar Al Assad, was exacerbated by the covert intervention and clandestine exchange of weapons by some regional powers that are vying for an economic hegemony in the region.

Maybe the Syrian people are exhausted by the war, but not necessarily the regional and global powers that are waging proxy wars on Syrian soil; hence the difficulty getting them disengaged from the conflict.

When you advise Middle East foreign policy experts to take a lesson or two from European history to find a solution to the Syrian war, bear in mind that the Middle East has a long history of peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Christians and Jews.

The current crisis in the Middle East has more to do with geopolitics and the toxic residues of colonialism and imperial hegemony in the region, especially the war in Iraq, than with the so-called sectarianism or ideological warfare.

Nafih Wafy, Muscat

Cuba is a land of opportunities

I am writing in reference to the article In with the new in Old Havana, Cuba (January 29). Those who have visited Cuba know that it's a true gem of the Caribbean. The natural beauty of the country is reflected in the spirit and warmth of the people.

Before the Cuban revolution, international hotels such as Hilton were well established and I am certain that they and other US brands are eagerly awaiting sanctions to be lifted.

Cuba represents a market filled with many opportunities in tourism, food and beverage, entertainment, property development and construction.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

A spectacular route in RAK

Your story Hitting the heights with the Stairway to Heaven in Ras Al Khaimah (January 29) was interesting. I remember a lot of things about living in Ras Al Khaimah, but never a stairway to heaven.

Judy Wiens, Dubai

I already looked into this. Unfortunately, it’s effectively closed due to high risk levels.

Martin Eglington, US

A ray of hope for Saudi women

Finally, there is some hope for women in Afghanistan(Saudi Arabia eases civil status law for some women, January 28). I wonder why so many men think they are the protectors of women. Just treat them equally.

Maryam Al Hersi, Dubai

So, now these women will be branded too. So how is that progress?

Monica Carver, Dubai