Unruly airline passengers raise tough questions

Readers discuss inflight behaviour. Other topics: big cats, boycotts and Saudi Arabia

Readers discuss passenger behaviour on airplanes. Noah Seelam / AFP Photo

Concerning your report about passengers on Emirates Airline (Emirates passenger attacks crew on flight from Dubai, February 17), this isn't the first time that such an incident has happened on-board an Emirates aircraft, where a passenger assaulted crew members and created chaos.

It is sad that other passengers on the flight had to put up with such abusive behaviour and give up their seats. Furthermore, it would be great if the airline decides to ban alcohol on its flights to avoid such unruly behaviour.

The man, on the other hand, must be severely punished for his irresponsible behaviour regardless of his nationality or social status.

Name withheld by request

The general answer to the problem is simple. Airlines should stop serving alcohol on flights. I don't understand the reasons why there is alcohol in the air in the first place.

Casper Morgenstern, Dubai

Animal welfare debate goes on

Concerning the debate about animal welfare, I don't think we should blame expatriates only.

There is a culture of neglect for animals that exists in virtually every society around the world. The crux is how society and the Government deal with it.

I am happy that this issue is being addressed and debated. I hope that the Government can educate the public as it has for safe driving and other topics.

Name withhold by request

Instability in the region affects all

With regards to Faisal Al Yafai's recent column about Saudi Arabia's military strategy, (Saudi Arabia's two-war doctrine becomes a reality, February 17), the piece is very well written.

However, Saudi Arabia needs to stop the killing in Syria and in Palestine. There is instability everywhere, not just on Saudi's borders.

Muhammad Suleiman, Dubai

Gratitude for fallen soldiers

I want to express my gratitude to the UAE armed forces as we mourn the death of another martyr.

Dear fallen Emirati soldier, may you rest in peace for your contribution to restoring hope to Yemen.

N Elfer, Dubai

The boycott debate heats up

With regards to the Israel boycott discussion and your recent editorial about the UK (The boycott row isn't just about trade, February 15), boycotting can hurt Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza as much as Israel.

I would like to see that aspect of the debate discussed more often.

Chris Reid, Dubai

Free people have a right to boycott whatever they want. Any law against it is tyranny.

Dieter Sundermeyer, Germany

When it comes to the boycott discussion, I think free demonstration is a non-violent protest that can achieve real results. There has been so much fighting, that non-violence is the right path forward for all people.

Giles Heaton, Dubai

Big cat exposes deep problems

With regard to your report from Bangalore (India school mauling leopard back on the loose, February 16), we have seen this story before. Again a leopard has escaped from a national park.

Now people are scared, as they should be. Will the government act quickly on this issue and return the leopard to a safe place? Or will they simply wait until tragedy strikes?

K Ragavan, India

This is worrisome. The concerned officials must be ashamed of themselves for having failed to protect the animal and keeping it at the zoo.

Now that the wildcat is on the loose, it may cause chaos and even harm more people.

The authorities must find the leopard before it attacks people.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Positive vision for the future

I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the new members of the Executive Council (Members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council profiles, February 15).

You have amazing talent and a diversity of portfolios, all with a positive vision for the future.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi