Students should look to the stars

A reader says Emiratis will one day visit the International Space Station. Other topics: airlines, insurance and refugees.

A NASA handout image shows a close-up view of the International Space Station (AFP / NASA)

I was pleased to read Never too young to learn about space, says Japanese astronaut (January 19) and The National's other recent coverage about space.

I think we should build a replica of the International Space Station in the UAE so school students can get familiar with its components.

One day, some of them will visit the real thing.

Yasser C, Dubai

US airlines lag in service

American, Delta and United should improve their domestic and trans-Atlantic services to compete (Open skies dispute between US and Gulf airlines escalates, January 30).

No one wants to fly for that long on a tired, dirty, frills-free plane.

They need to take notes from Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways on quality of service. R Cordell, Abu Dhabi

I am from the United States, living in the UAE, and I fly Etihad Airways over Delta whenever possible.

Etihad Airways offers far better service in all cabins, and makes customers feel appreciated and welcome.

Perhaps US carriers need to understand that it’s not just cheap fares that make a difference, it’s the quality of the experience.

Anita Welch, Abu Dhabi

Insurance is a necessity

I am writing in regard to The Address Downtown: Dubai residents deal with the aftermath of losing their home (January 30).

When it comes to insurance for your valuables, never assume someone else has covered you.

Purchase your own insurance. The peace of mind is cheap compared to the stress of losing everything.

Owen Neale, Abu Dhabi

I honestly would be happy to be healthy and alive after such a fire.

After that, I would thank all the firefighters and be happy to be relocated to a hotel.

But I would also learn how to read a contract and know what I am insured for.

Myriam Fakhreddine, Dubai

Refugees are not migrants

I am rather perturbed by the ongoing, persistent mislabelling of the current Syrian diaspora as “migrants”.

These unfortunate people are refugees, primarily seeking safety. It is strange to me that they are refugees when they are in neighbouring Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, but magically become migrants when they attempt to enter Europe. Enough already.

Mohamed Kanoo, Abu Dhabi

Bribery must be wiped out

A report published recently indicates that India has marginally improved in the world anti-graft ranking.

Even though there is an improvement in the ranking, bribery and other corrupt practices are still delaying progress in a country that has enormous potential to become powerful in every aspect.

Wherever money is involved, there is the potential for malpractice.

It is high time for India to have strong anti-corruption policies and guidelines backed by an independent investigating agency.

Meanwhile, India’s leaders and its leading entrepreneurs should visit Denmark and other countries that rank low on the corruption index and seek their advice.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Leaders work for the people

Thank you for publishing Top ministers discuss future after oil (January 30).

This brainstorming meeting was aimed at discussing the ­future welfare of all citizens.

It demonstrates the leaders’ commitment to the people.

Name withheld by request

No help for Afghanistan

The long read: how America failed Afghanistan (January 30) was informative.

It shows that the US has done nothing to ease the nightmare of day-to-day life in Afghanistan. K Ragavan, India