With reference to the report Afghanistan live: 'The sooner we can finish, the better', says Joe Biden (August 24): I pray for everyone to be evacuated at the earliest, with no harm done to them and their families. May god lead them out of Afghanistan safely.
Asun Haruo, Chuuk, Micronesia
Kabul and the consequences for India
With regard to Taniya Dutta's article India sees strategic threat in Afghanistan after Taliban victory (August 24): India has invested huge amounts of money in Afghanistan – more than $3 billion into development projects since the US-led coalition toppled the first Taliban government in 2001. Last week's turn of events will affect India in a big way, both in terms of investments as well as the evacuation of Afghans. However, India has completed the better part of evacuating Indians, as well as issuing visas for Afghans. But, as the article analysed well, the tricky situation is that India's rivals may take advantage of this opportunity and make deals with the Taliban. I am hopeful that India will handle this scenario diplomatically. It remains to be seen whether development will stay on track and if peace in the region will prevail.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Disinfecting schools is smart prep for reopening
With reference to Anam Rizvi's report UAE schools expect most pupils to return to class next week (August 24): I saw the video about the classrooms being disinfected and the deep cleaning being done. This is a very good initiative by the authorities before the children go back to school.
Mohammad Azam, Dubai
Another tourist draw for Dubai
With reference to Janice Rodriques's report Ain Dubai to open to the public on October 21 with tickets now available to book (Aug 24): it looks really beautiful. Would be nice to visit. Well done, Dubai.
Arzoo C, Islamabad, Pakistan
Lucky cat and the kindness of strangers
With regard to the report Dubai Ruler praises 'heroes' who caught cat falling 30ft from balcony (Aug 24): that's good presence of mind of the people who cushioned its fall with the bedsheet. My cat accidentally fell 20 years ago in a similar manner, hit its chin on the ground and hurt his pallet.
Linda Jean Evans, Perth, Australia
My cat died from falling off like this. Let's not assume cats can survive falls. The notion might get into the heads of young children who, while innocently playing, could actually risk a cat's life trying to test the theory. Glad this one was saved.
Muhammad Uzair, Ras Al Khaimah
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
The five pillars of Islam
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 445bhp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh474,600
On Sale: Now
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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