I write in reference to Tim Stickings' article Eastern Europe swings behind Ukraine's EU membership bid (March 2): western incompetence has helped exacerbate yet another conflict in the world, this time in Ukraine. While it is comforting to hear that the US will fight to protect fellow Nato member states, but why not help friends who may not be treaty allies – such as Ukraine – as well?
Less than a year after the Biden administration made a mess of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan, its inaction in Eastern Europe is just as troubling.
The West sold Ukraine false dreams about EU inclusion and Nato membership, both of which scared Russia, given the historical, cultural and political ties between these two neighbours. After all the intelligence it had gathered over the past few months, Washington could have sent a peacekeeping force to Ukraine in anticipation of the war.
Sadly, it seems, Ukraine is paying the price for its misplaced trust in the West.
Christopher-Michael Mansour, Barrie, Canada
Indian student's death is a tragedy
I write in reference to Leen Alfaisal's video Indian student killed in Ukraine shelling and 16000 remain trapped (March 2): it is always depressing to learn about the lives lost in conflict. It is one thing for soldiers to go into battle knowing they may never return. It is entirely another for civilians to get caught in a crossfire, or worse, be targeted by enemy forces.
Why do they have to die? What have they done to deserve death? Can there be no way to protect them better? These are some of the questions that occurred to me when I learned about the death of an Indian medical student in Ukraine.
Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar was only 21 years old. Had it not been for the war, he may well have become a medical practitioner one day, perhaps saving the lives of others. Instead, his life was cruelly snatched for no fault of his.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
A global government, anyone?
I write in reference to James Reinl's article UN assembly condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine (March 2): it may be time for all the world's leaders, as well as the UN, to think seriously about forming a global government, which all the nations of the world can have a stake in.
This government will have no jurisdiction over the internal affairs and administration of any country, but it will have the remit to resolve global issues. Perhaps, such a force might be more effective in keeping the peace throughout the world.
Raj Kishore Panda, Jajpur, India
The truth about war
I write in reference to the editorial The only way to end Ukraine bloodshed is through direct dialogue (February 27): war is destructive and very unfortunate. It does not differentiate between enemy and friend. It kills and/or maims both.
Nazim Hasan Khan, Dubai
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What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
Day 3 stumps
New Zealand 153 & 249
Pakistan 227 & 37-0 (target 176)
Pakistan require another 139 runs with 10 wickets remaining
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) | US$95,000 | (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Meydan Classic Listed (TB) ) | $175,000) | (Turf) 1,600m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 3 (TB) ) | $300,000) | (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Curlin Handicap Listed (TB)) | $160,000) | (D) 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB)) | $175,000) | (T) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (T) 2,000m
