We must empower vulnerable nations to build strong economies

Our readers have their say on Lebanon's financial crisis, Indian protests, privacy on the internet and Pervez Musharraf's sentencing

Lebanese caretaker prime minister Saad Hariri has reached out to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for a rescue plan to save the country's economy from collapse. AP

I write to you in reference to Massoud Derhally's news story Lebanon turns to World Bank and IMF as country faces economic meltdown (December 14): I am saddened to see that so many Muslim-majority countries fall prey to financial troubles and cash shortages. Taking more loans and relying on aid will not solve the problem for long. I believe we must learn to generate revenue through local small-scale industries and encourage investors to put capital into the countries' existing resources.

Nazim Hasan Khan, India

We should trust India to fulfil all its human rights obligations

I write to you in reference to the article written by Anam Rizvi and Ramola Talwar Badam titled Indians in UAE worry for families at home as protests erupt against citizenship law (December 16).

I understand that the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Indian government to exclude Muslim immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan is controversial and has therefore created massive furore across the country. However, India has had an illegal immigration problem that needed dealing with. Prime minister Narendra Modi has assured us of everyone’s safety, including that of the minorities, and we should take his word for it. I am confident India will fulfil its human rights obligations.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Citizens will have to make a choice between efficiency and privacy

I write to you in reference to your editorial Advancements in tech will spur the growth of the nation (December 10). It is true that digitisation, as well as the introduction of 5G and artificial intelligence, will spur economic growth. Life will certainly become easier for people to lead. Yet it is important to know that governments and the companies providing these services will get to know every detail of an individual's life. So there is a clear trade-off: do we want to sacrifice privacy for efficiency? This is a call we as citizens need to make.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Former president Musharraf was a divisive figure with many enemies

Regarding your story Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death (December 17), I believe this is a revenge tactic. I hope he is pardoned.

Bisma Nasir, Dubai