Time for Pakistan to honour Malala

A reader says the schoolgirl who stood up to the Taliban isn't getting enough attention in her homeland. Other topics: child safety, Margaret Thatcher and the Boston bombings.

A reader says it seems Pakistanis are too busy to acknowledge that Taliban shooting victim Malala Yousafzai has been named as one of Time magazine's most influential people. Queen Elizabeth Hospital BShow more

US must pause for reflection in wake of Boston bombings

The FBI and police should be commended for tracking down the two young Boston bombings suspects.

The week since the blast during the Boston Marathon must have been traumatic and bizarre for the citizens of this peaceful academic city.

There has been widespread relief and celebration since the capture of the second suspect. However, we should remember the tragedy of the four families who have lost their loved ones.

We must remember and honour the innocent victims; their sacrifice should not be in vain.

When the dust settles, Americans should also ponder why these youngsters went out of control and unleashed so much misery and stress on the community. They had the opportunity to achieve and excel, and yet they took the path of violence. Why?

Finally, the fact that these young men were armed with guns underscores the need for tighter gun control in the US.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Time for Pakistan to honour Malala

It is a matter of great pride for Pakistan, for women, for education and for people with conscience that Malala Yousafzai is on the cover of Time magazine's edition naming its 100 most influential people.

Unfortunately Pakistan is busy with elections, putting Pervez Musharraf in jail and ensuring that Imran Khan does not succeed, so no media there has had the time to give enough coverage to this schoolgirl from Waziristan who stood up against the Taliban.

Kanwar Hayat, Dubai

Parents must keep their children safe

The letter All passengers can't buckle up (April 18) demonstrates that many people still do not understand the basics of road safety.

The writer would apparently prefer to have his four children unbuckled in the back of his current vehicle than purchase a vehicle suitably designed to accommodate his family safely.

I just don't understand it; there are many types of vehicle that can safely accommodate seven, eight or more people.

Of course, children may not like to be buckled up - but that is where good parenting comes in.

Would you let them jump off a cliff because they thought it would be fun? If not, don't let them climb all over the car, putting themselves in considerable danger, just because it makes them happy.

Neil Roberts, Abu Dhabi

In death, Thatcher deserved better

Omar Karmi's article describing Margaret Thatcher's funeral (Right up to the very end, Thatcher divides a nation, April 18) was an inconsequential way to mark the passing of a politician of such stature and influence.

The article emphasised the divisions that, as a conviction politician, Baroness Thatcher inevitably created. However, most other commentators reflected on the overwhelming respect accorded to her throughout the funeral.

The report also did not mention any of Baroness Thatcher's contributions to the Gulf region, including the liberation of Kuwait.

J Campbell-James, Dubai

Outrage over rape of girl in New Delhi

After reading Five-year-old fights for her life after rape (April 20), I find it extremely difficult to understand what exactly has gone wrong in New Delhi and its suburbs.

Whatever steps were initiated following other recent rape attacks in the Indian capital have not led to any significant change in the mindset of some men.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

The fact that Delhi has had many incidents like this in recent months is unacceptable.

Despite many protests and activism from various organisations, the Indian government still has not done enough on the issue.

Parents are scared for their daughters' safety, and many activists believe the death penalty is the only solution to the problem.

K Ragavan, India