Innocent lives have been lost as a result of the US-Iran standoff

Our readers have their say on the 176 people who died in the Ukrainian plane crash, the legacy of Sultan Qaboos and the violence in a university in Delhi

Friends and faculty members gather at The University of Windsor, Ontario for a memorial service for the five University of Windsor students who died in the Ukraine International Airlines flight crash Show more

I write in reference to your article Iran says it shot down Ukrainian plane 'unintentionally' (January 11): this is indeed horrendous news. It is the price of war that innocent citizens pay. Who will console the relatives of the 176 people whose lives were snuffed out in the air crash? They became the helpless, innocent victims of an armed conflict.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

With regard to the National Editorial Iran must hand over black box data to Boeing (January 9): US-Iran tensions brewing and political leaders exchanging heated rhetoric, 176 innocent lives aboard PS752 were lost.

The politicisation of this tragedy comes across as a blatant attempt to keep people from seeking the truth about what really went down and it only agonises the kin. This incident is a grim reminder that innocents will bear brunt of political tensions. Let us all learn to peacefully coexist with one another. The hope of one day waking up to a world devoid of violence and bloodshed seems wishful but let’s do our part in making the world a better place by spreading love and not hate. No words can express the sorrow I feel for the lives lost. Sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved.

Syeda Amena, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai

Sultan Qaboos was a great leader and he will be hard to replace

With reference to the report Sultan Qaboos of Oman dies aged 79 (January 11): Oman loses a great man. No one can replace him.

Luci Florian, Abu Dhabi

He laid a firm foundation for embracing the future in a positive way.

Polly Palmer, Sharjah

God bless his successor, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

Binu George, Muscat

There is no justification for violence on college campuses

In reagrd to Taniya Dutta's article Attack on New Delhi university campus triggers outrage (January 6): it is disturbing to read about masked individuals harming students. The students' union is blaming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and this is not the first time. Violence cannot be justified and certainly not inside an educational institution.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru