Nuclear pact is a wise move for secure energy

In reference to UAE signs nuclear pact with UK (November 26), it is very wise for the UAE to establish relationships with all nuclear-powered countries based on mutual agreements to support the nuclear programme. It is important that the UAE use nuclear power for electricity generation as the main fuel of natural gas is projected to suffer severe shortages as of next year's summer. Oil can compensate, but it is a very expensive choice at 80 fils/kwh these days.
As demand for power is growing at a rate of 10 per cent, it will be necessary for current nuclear capacity to increase by 100 per cent every five years. This is the only way that nuclear power can eliminate shortages in natural gas supplies and free oil for trade in the industrial sector rather than in the power sector.
Khalid Mohammed, Dubai
 
Reflections on Irish protest
As a proud Irish woman, I read with great pride about the fantastic and peaceful turnout by the Irish public in response to the bail out of the Irish economy (Irish protest against austerity cuts, November 28).
It saddens me to witness the demise of my great nation by a corrupt and greedy political system which is more interested in lining its own pockets than looking out for the future of its people. Europe should know that Ireland's strength is its people. We have been through worse and survived and we will survive this. We are small but we are mighty.
Michelle Tonks, Abu Dhabi
 
The power of myth persists
This is in reference to the opinion article by James Zogby Dangerous myths persist in Arab views about America (November 21).
Mr Zogby has very conveniently stated what the Arabs probably feel about the motives for the invasion of Iraq and the power of the Jewish lobby in the US.
Meanwhile, globalisation and multiculturalism in most parts of the world haven't changed the West's view on the East and Arabs.
The intolerance has had an effect and people in real life have experienced the stigma and misunderstanding attached to one's religion or culture.
Some myths are in our favour while others are not. But they exist.
Zahra Khan, Abu Dhabi
 
Ashes neglected for trivial football
Does the sports editor realise that there is an Ashes cricket series going on between Australia and England?
From the looks of your newspaper one gets a feeling that the Wigan vs West Ham United match deserves more coverage than the ongoing Ashes series. Or is it The National policy to ignore cricket when England does badly?
But then again, as one CLR James wrote: "What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?"
Anwar Khan, Dubai
 
Many questions about education
The impressions I get from the front page news article Teacher shortage in Dubai schools (November 27)is that there is a problem. But there is no problem. If there is a problem, it is a paperwork problem. Emiratis should teach Emiratis. Education experts weigh in agreeing with the "problem" description. Education experts deny any complicity on their part as to why there is a problem (not enough salary, long hours, status not high for Emirati men). Education experts bemoan the situation but offer no solutions. The article pleads for help. Education experts agree help is needed but they get paid to describe problems not to solve them. Next? Exactly the same problem description will arrive in approximately two months.
Tom Pattillo, Ras Al Khaimah
 
Correct labels for healthy eating
I refer to the article What Abu Dhabi eats (November 19). Coming from the UK, I expected all the food products to have proper labels. To my surprise, I have found that only a few items have "V" vegetarian signs.
None of the the food producers seems sensitive to the GCC consumer. The GCC has major problems with healthy eating and raising awareness by a proper labelling mechanism should be the first step on the path to healthy eating.
Dawud Burns, UK
 
A tribute to a Fleet Street giant
In reference to the obituary of John Bulloch, A keen observer of the Middle East (November 27), I knew John since the mid-1960s and we covered endless stories together. We were close friends and were both entertained by Saddam Hussein since 1972. John was a Fleet Street giant, among only a handful left of the last of Fleet Street.
Adel Darwish, Abu Dhabi