Accountability the key for those who aspire to power

A reader says the jailing of a former state minister proves the Indian judicial system works. Other letter topics: road rage, Osama bin Laden, maid abuse and jaywalking.

A reader says the conviction of Maya Kodnani is a good sign that India's judiciary works. Ajit Solanki / AP

I am writing in reference to Modi's PM chances tarred by massacre (August 31), about the national political ambitions of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

When I try to further my career, I attempt to explain any time gaps or shortcomings in my CV and expect that the interviewer will be understanding.

But if that shortcoming of a decade ago involved the deaths of 1,000 to 2,000 people, then I don't think many prospective employers would turn a blind eye to it.

I hope this "inconvenience" for Mr Modi in his career ambitions acts as a good deterrent for would-be politicians in places such as Myanmar and Assam.

U Ubaid, Abu Dhabi

The recent judgement against the former women's minister of Mr Modi's government, Maya Kodnani, was a dramatic development in Indian politics (Ex-minister jailed 28 years for Gujarat riots, September 1).

In spite of all the corruption and scams, it is pleasing to know that the Indian judicial system still works. No matter what political party they are from, criminals should be charged and punished.

As an ordinary citizen of India, I applaud this judgment as a milestone in the nation's history.

I hope those implicated in the "coal gate" scandal are also brought to to justice.

K Ragavan, India

Maid abuse claims cause for concern

I am concerned about claims of maid abuse in the UAE (Nepal bans women under 30 from taking Arabian Gulf maid jobs, August 30)

It's hard enough to leave your own country to work abroad, let alone risk getting abused.

Michelle Parker, Dubai

How bin Laden died unimportant

So, a conflicting version of the death of Osama bin Laden has emerged (Navy Seals 'pumped bin Laden with bullets', August 31).

We have to approach this book with caution, since it written by a former Seal in an obvious attempt to cash in on his fame / notoriety.

The real question, of course, is not how bin Laden died, but what has been achieved by killing him?

Is the world a safer place because he is no longer among us? Did his death stop the terrorism, the hatred, the deaths of the innocents?

Michael Peterson, Dubai

Assad fails test of true leadership

Regarding Assad: I need time to win civil war (August 30), does a good leader kill his own people?

He is interested in power, not people. When people complain about leaders in other countries, they have the wisdom and humility to step down.

Julie Gordon, Abu Dhabi

Road rage reason hard to fathom

Regarding Woman red with fury at green light (August 30), I wonder what would trigger such a disproportionate reaction in the 24-year-old assailant.

I suppose she must have been in a big hurry, really stressed or have serious bottled-up anger issues - none of which justify her actions.

I certainly hope the court case and fine will deter her in future.

As for the victim of the assault, one would expect the party starting the fight would get the rap, while the assaulted party deserves an apology and perhaps compensation for the emotional distress.

Bassem P Fakhry, Dubai

Jaywalking not the biggest problem

Jaywalkers may face heavier fines (August 28) does not fully address the problem.

Another idea would be to fine drivers who don't stop or slow down at designated pedestrian crossings.

Either way, pedestrians in the UAE take a risk to cross the street because of bad drivers.

Also, there are not enough crosswalks. What's the incentive for a pedestrian to walk an extra 500-700 metres out of their way to use a crosswalk when the risk of getting killed is the same?

J Barnard, Umm Al Qaywayn

Nationality: you are born with it

In reference to German Turks no longer feel welcome (August 31), it really does not matter where one moves to, what you are born is who you are.

If Turks want to go back home, then it is their right to do so.

It's like saying, "I am going to go and buy some new parents." Well, that is not possible, as your parents are yours for life.

Once you are Turkish by birth then you should have every right to come home to your country were you belong.

Politics and politicians should have no say in it.

Yunus Khan, UK