Patels reflect Indian soecity

A reader says the agitation by the Patel community in Gujarat reflects a backward society. Other topics: death of a Nation Service recruit, Air Koryo, Palmyra, refugees, sharks, energy drink.

A reader says the agitation by the Patel community in Gujarat reflects the state of Indian society. Sam Panthaky / AFP

The opinion article Caste system no longer reflects the realities of Indian economics (August 31) was interesting and timely. Agitation over such an issue underlines how backward Indian society is.

For the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, this issue has created a major headache, as it cannot afford to alienate a powerful community. Yet it’s hard to support them, because that would anger other backward communities.

In such a situation, the better option for the government would be to wait for the movement to lose steam with time.

K Ragavan, India

Death of the National Service recruit shocking

The death of Ali Khalil Abdullah Al Hosani is shocking ('He died as a hero, serving his country', September 2). Getting such news on social media is a hard way to learn something as traumatic as this.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Al Hosani was my son’s batchmate. May God protect him and protect all the boys. They should return safely to their families.

Abeer Al Nowais, Abu Dhabi

Air Koryo is not so bad

I flew Air Koryo and it's not that bad (The quirks of travelling with Air Koryo, the world's worst airline, September 3). Some of the information in the article is out of date. They actually have a better flight-safety record than most airlines. If it's "worst", that's because it's not part of the international airlines association that sets international standards.

Chris Reid, Dubai

Save remains of Palmyra

I was appalled to read that ISIL have been destroying parts of the ancient site of Palmyra. This priceless historical complex is part of the region's (and the world's) heritage (ISIL militants blow up ancient Syrian temple in Palmyra, August 25).

The UAE’s armed forces have already carried out strikes on ISIL targets. I urge them to continue this excellent work and deploy troops in Palmyra to protect these irreplaceable monuments from further destruction. This service would be remembered and valued by the global community for centuries to come.

David Thomas, Dubai

Refugee issue is a complex one

It's true that "Europe's governments are not willing to recognise their own responsibility in creating this crisis or take meaningful steps to deal with it (Europe must assume its responsibility for refugees, August 31). However, Middle East countries that are able should also take in these refugees and economic migrants. Or is the lure of benefits – free housing, free health care, free education of the sub-Marxist European Union "utopia" – causing the meddling EU to be hoist with its own petard?

Andy A, UK

Who are the real killers?

It is sharks, not killer sharks, because they are not made to kill (Killer sharks stalk Australian beaches, September 1). If we call them "killers", we also have to call humans killers, because of so many reasons.

Jan-Peter Mohwinkel, Dubai

Lacking energy? Drink water

As far as I know, there is no substitute for pure water as an energy drink (Energy drinks can give you a bigger kick than you expect, August 31). A glass of water can boost your energy like no other drink.

Mohd Nawas, Abu Dhabi

Only exercise can boost energy and keep us healthy. Artificial drinks cannot do any good to us.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Dubai