Spare a thought for fathers, who have feelings too

Our readers have their say on paternity leave, the Tamil Nadu cyclone, Netanyahu and car crashes

Paternity leave is an increasingly important issue for families. Getty Images

Regarding your reader's query Am I entitled to paternity leave from my employer? (November 18), the human touch sometimes seems to be missing in today's era. Companies could do with being more compassionate. It makes me wonder what century are we all living in. Every father who has a child in the UAE is entitled to paternity leave, not just the mother. Companies should respect the letter of the law and be reported with immediate effect if they break it. It is unfair to play with the emotions of employees.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

A tragic story of nature’s fury in the state of Tamil Nadu

I write with reference to your article Cyclone Gaja kills 33 in India's Tamil Nadu state (November 19). This piece outlined the situation in south India very well.

In addition to the many lives lost, heavy damages will also have to be assessed by the authorities. The state government deployed hundreds of workers to evacuate people to rescue camps and compensation of $14,000 to the families of victims has been announced.

No one can stop nature’s fury, but it it is good that the local government is here to help the people affected by this disaster. I applaud the actions of  Edappadi ­Palaniswamy, who has ­overseen these efforts.

I will also pray for the victims and for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Israel’s prime minister is the same person he ever was

I write with reference to your article Make no mistake, Netanyahu is not a man of peace (November 18): the Israeli Prime Minister ­Benjamin Netanyahu has ­always been a violent man, leading a violent regime.

Name withheld by request

Many traffic problems are just the same, the world over

In reference to your video Abu Dhabi Police release footage of multi-car accident to highlight deadly dangers of reckless driving (November 18), this looks like traffic coming to a sudden halt and drivers being unable to respond in time. You see this kind of thing all over the world.

Name and address withheld by request