Regarding the opinion piece, Sawab means the right path, ISIL the wrong one (July 10), last week the US-led coalition made a positive step in recognising that the battle with ISIL is taking place as much online as it is within the physical geographic boundaries of Iraq and the Levant.
Through the launch of the new Abu Dhabi-based Sawab Centre, an innovative and important strategic tool to counter ISIL’s digital propaganda and recruitment efforts has been ushered in.
The Sawab Centre should use the coordinated reach of the broad anti-ISIL coalition to not only delegitimise the so-called caliphate but also to inspire positive counter-narratives. The efforts can begin even today by highlighting the people and countries, particularly in the Arab world, who enjoy peace and stability and many beautiful aspects of life, like the ones enjoyed here in the UAE.
A comprehensive digital strategy countering ISIL should bring together Arab and American communities and seek to engage the general public, the media, the leadership of local social media platforms, blogs and key digital influencers throughout the Arab world to be part of the solution. And anyone who enjoys a life without the barbarity of ISIL should seek to work together on social media platforms to defend that way of life one hashtag at a time.
K Nichols, Abu Dhabi
Three cheers for the police
With regards to your piece, Police net gangs over Dh15m theft spree (July 13), it is disturbing that these gangs targeted the homes of people on holiday. It is amazing that they managed to flee with cash and valuables worth millions.
But the fact that the members of these gangs have been traced and arrested provides a sense of relief. The efforts of Dubai Police in nabbing these suspects are commendable. It is due to their hard work and dedication that we can enjoy a safe and peaceful environment.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
One reason this piece alarmed me is that I am not clear who to contact if we were one of the families that was potentially robbed by this gang of thieves.
We had a motorbike stolen from us six weeks ago following a string of robberies in the area. It would help if I knew the right channels to open an investigation.
Holly Bennie, Dubai
Women’s role in the UAE Expo
After reading your editorial, A worldwide festival in a box (July 12), it stuck me that this brilliant idea must focus on Emirati women.
There should be a large number of women in the global UAE team. This is because there are so many high-ranking and highly educated women in the UAE. What better platform to highlight this aspect of our society!
Ferzana Rahman, Dubai
Resolving credit card debt
There are some points that were missed in your recent report, UAE workers must settle all credit card debt before heading home for good (July 12). When you apply for a personal loan, many banks make you sign several documents including one that states that you do have to settle the remaining amount of debt in case of death or job loss. These types of hidden clauses must be streamlined and made more clear to customers.
Nawaf Abu Ghazaleh, Abu Dhabi
Of course money borrowed should be paid back and there can be no excuses! If the borrower dies then their estate should pay it off. Only if there is nothing left to draw from should a debt be written off.
Carol Goodey, Dubai
Learning to be a good driver
I read your piece about drivers, Key to defensive driving in the UAE is keeping calm and patient (July 13), and I think that a big part of the problem is that some drivers act like they are entitled to be disrespectful, while others need to be taught how to drive properly. As with many parts of life, the issue starts and ends with education.
Kenneth Nyabela, Abu Dhabi
A lifetime of hard work
After reading your profile of Noor Mohammed, My Ramadan: Pakistani father enjoys caring for all Allah's living things (July 13), I am reminded how hard working and humble Pakistanis are. I just wish that I could get him a small gift for his hard work.
Kurram Qureshi, Abu Dhabi