I am a snorkeller from Abu Dhabi. I enjoyed reading your article Gulf's sawfish are in serious decline (October 26).
I have never seen a sawfish while snorkelling in the UAE. Dr Alec Moore, a British researcher, has been quoted in the article saying that many people do not know what a sawfish looks like. A picture would have been helpful.
Dianne Folsom, Abu Dhabi
Tides are turning against Israel
I refer to Hussein Ibish's opinion article Israel's baffling policies only encourage a third intifada (October 26).
As the US vice president Joe Biden pointedly refused to meet Israel’s security chief, Moshe Ya’alon, last week, the Netanyahu government is now terrified of losing essential European trade and American military support as the international community condemns the massacre of civilians in Gaza during Israel’s attack in July. Any sanctions imposed by the EU would dramatically affect Israel’s economy, which is dependent on the European market for its survival.
There are now recriminations in an Israel that has, for decades, been used to punching way above its weight, secure in the knowledge that the power of its lobbyists in the EU and US would protect it despite its military excesses in the Middle East.
Now, however, there has been a palpable shift as the world re-evaluates its opinion of an expansionist regime that continues to treat the international community, upon which it is dependent, with such obvious contempt.
Neither Washington nor Brussels is happy that the Israeli state, after decades of receiving economic and military support, has now become such an intractable obstacle to peace and a threat to global security. Which is why the EU is considering trade sanctions that many feel are much overdue.
Anthony Bellchambers, UK
Teaching coding can be useful
I agree that computer coding should be part of the school curriculum (Brave new world of touchscreens, October 28). It is as important as maths, science, geography and any other subject.
Dina Abou-Zahr, Abu Dhabi
While at the airport the other day, I sat facing a family of mum, dad, and three children. None of them was speaking to each other, because they were all busy texting. It’s very sad.
Technology is useful, but this phenomenon demonstrates that there’s also something wrong with it. Moreover, kids can’t write anymore.
Christina Murphy, Abu Dhabi
Seat belt can save your life
Insurance companies should not have to pay for injuries sustained by anyone not wearing a seat belt (Dubai crash victim warns of dangers of car modifications October 27). They burden the system with unnecessary costs.
If you crash while driving at high speed, your unbelted body can go through the windscreen, probably breaking every bone in your face. A seat belt keeps you in the vehicle and can definitely save your life.
Everybody knows this. It is the law of inertia learnt in school. It’s common sense that every time a driver brakes hard, you lurch forward.
Look up Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed. This information was out in 1965.
Christie King Eckardt, Dubai
UAE will become filmmakers’ hub
I enjoyed reading your editorial Offering a film location is the first step (October 28). In recent years, the UAE has attracted a large number of actors and directors from Hollywood and Bollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film, Happy New Year, a part of which was shot in Dubai, is making waves in India. The film features some of the most beautiful locations of the emirate, including Atlantis The Palm.
There is little doubt that in the near future the UAE will become one of the hottest hubs of international filmmaking.
K Ragavan, India