Agreement for a time of decision in the Middle East

Readers write in on Palestinian unity, piracy, a royal wedding and trafficking.

Fatah delegation chief Azzam al Ahmed, right, shares a laugh with Hamas deputy leader Mussa Abu Marzug. A reader hails their historic accord in Cairo. Khalid Desooki / AFP

The news article Palestinian unity a step closer (April 28) reported that the caretaker Egyptian government has brokered a deal in secret talks. A new chapter in the Palestinian struggle for independence was declared in which the split between the Fatah-run West Bank and Hamas-run Gaza would be healed.

This peace initiative between Hamas and Fatah is extremely bad news for the Likud government headed by Benjamin Netanyahu which depends on a "divide and rule" policy in order the prevent any progress in the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel, under Likud, has hitherto been able to maintain the fiction that there is no partner with whom to negotiate for peace. These are difficult times for Mr Netanyahu. He is well aware that the tide of history is turning against his party's years of prevarication and obstruction. The thought of Hamas being recognised by the international community will cause consternation in Israeli political circles. Their reaction will be interesting to say the least.

JRD Kidd, UK

Hawala company defies pirates

My comments relate mainly to the opinion article by David Mugridge on pirates in Somalia (Are hawala money channels piracy's Achilles heel?, April 26). While the article appreciates the vitally important role of the Somali money remittance companies for Somali communities globally, it seems to point the finger of blame at these companies, alleging they support money laundering, but without much evidence to support the claim. It is true that piracy is a phenomenal problem in the region and to tackle it properly requires global joint efforts.

There is no doubt that Somali households and businesses, including the hawala operators, are more the victims than the perpetrators of piracy and are the hardest hit group of all the world's communities.

The pirates' illegitimate cash flows are the cause of the introduction of all types of drugs, alcohol and corruption into the Somali Muslim community in those regions where the pirates are operating.

I belong to one of the hawala companies that operate in Somalia and, contrary to what Mr Mugridge's article claims, our industry and my company have put in place policies not to deal with pirates by any means at any time, no matter how many offers are made by suspicious customers. We consider this as unethical and unIslamic (haram) income.

I am afraid that such unsubstantiated accusations against the Somali hawala companies will only jeopardise the golden lifeline role that such companies are playing to support money transfers from the Somali diaspora to their loved ones in Somalia.

Mahamud Abdalie, Somalia

Time for joy amid many troubles

In reference to the news article Royal rehearsal sets the stage for the real thing (April 28), the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is wonderful news at a time dominated by uprisings in the Arab world, corruption in India, debt in the US and recession in Europe.

So, the wedding is a time of great joy, happiness and celebration. Britain is putting its best foot forward, with bands, buntings, music and colourful ceremonies. We should enjoy these happy moments of life and wish the young couple all the best for the future.

We should also leave them alone after their marriage and not pry unnecessarily into their lives, as happened after the previous royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

Happy days to the young couple. Let them have fun and enjoy life.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

A spelling mix-up on principles

I refer to the foreign correspondent David Sapsted's royal wedding article UK security braces for its biggest day (April 27).Mr Sapsted's allusion to police commander Bob Broadhurst using police jargon to describe the royals and other VIPs attending the wedding as "the principals" is clearly pure fantasy.

Mr Sapsted quotes Commander Broadhurst as saying: "The threat to the wedding is a threat to principals [sic] ... " when in fact he clearly stated: "You are looking at a different type of threat - the threat to the wedding is a threat to principles, it is a threat to democracy."

Brian Warren, Abu Dhabi

Awareness of human trafficking

I refer to the article UAE winning battle against trafficking (April 25) which reported that human trafficking cases going on trial are on the rise. I would like to thank the reporter for helping to bring more awareness about this terrible crime. Most people don't even know what is really going on with this, especially in the US.

S Jane, US