According to a CNN news item on February 5, the US president Barack Obama said talks between the Egyptian government and its political opponents were in the initial stages, but he warned against a "pretence of reform".
Is Mr Obama the president of the US or Egypt? Or does he think he is the president of the world?
One million people are supposedly agitating in Egypt. But Egypt's population is around 80 million. Has anyone ascertained what the other 79 million want? What if the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is replaced by some fundamentalists with sympathies for al Qa'eda? A new can of worms will then open up. Who will bell this cat?
President Obama should focus on creating jobs in the American economy and reducing debt. The world can look after itself. Undue external interference results in unnecessary violence and turbulence. Example? Iraq. Let's learn from recent history.
Rajendra K Aneja, India
This letter is in response to the articles covering the civil unrest occurring in Egypt. As a believer in democracy, I applaud the efforts of the Egyptian people. Their efforts are similar to what happened following the election in Iran and the most recent revolution in Tunisia.
It is unfortunate that the United States compromised on one of its most fundamental values in order to protect its economic interests in the Middle East - something that happens all too often domestically as well.
It is not the Egyptian people who are attempting to seize power but rather it is those currently in power who have engaged in intimidation to prevent the will of the people from being heard. Why else would they use such tactics to block various means of communication among the citizens of Egypt? Why is the government in power utilising such political strong-arm tactics as the use of violence?
Joe Bialek, US
In his opinion article Simplistic or plain dumb? US leaders miss the point (February 6), James Zogby accuses US politicians of ignorance about Egypt and a bias toward the Israeli point of view.
At a time when Mr Zogby could actually contribute to a meaningful and insightful dialogue about the recalibration of US foreign policy towards the Middle East, he continues to use his bully pulpit for strictly partisan purposes. There is plenty of finger-pointing to go around and it does nothing but diminish meaningful, substantive discourse about the monumentally shifting tectonics of the region.
Elan Fabbri, Abu Dhabi
Labelling needed at supermarkets
In reference to the article UAE one of world's 10 fattest countries (February 3), there is hardly any proper standard labelling system for all the food items you find at a supermarket. Some big brand names have nutritional information but a majority do not. People need to be educated so that they become used to checking labels before buying. I'm not sure if there are any regulations on this.
Where are the healthy choices at McDonald's? They have them in the US and Europe - why not here?
Khurram J, Abu Dhabi
Hybrid cars are wave of the future
I enjoyed the business article Public needs a push to embrace hybrid cars (February 3). When Toyota premiered the Prius you were hard pressed to find a journalist who gave it a chance of survival. Most laughed and wrote how it would be lucky to last to the first planned revision. Well, I certainly don't need to tell you how successful the Prius is. Toyota is now going to make a whole line of them - a sub-brand.
People do want "affordable" fuel efficient cars, and they will pay a premium for them, even if most of the time they will never realise the savings. I drive a battery electric car, the Mini E, and love the fact that I never have to stop at a petrol station.
That's progress. We need to evolve from what we have been driving for 100 years. Hybrids are only a start.
Tom Moloughney, US
Welcome to a Canadian staple
In reference to the business article Canadian favourite Tim Hortons to open shop in the UAE (February 3), this was my favourite coffee shop when I was studying in Canada.
I like their double-double coffee and their Timbits. It would be nice to see them here in Abu Dhabi. My kids will be excited too.
Saif al Kaabi, Abu Dhabi
A simple question of tailoring
I refer to British prime minister accused of 'feeding paranoia about Muslims' (February 6). David Cameron extolled "muscular liberalism" in defence of western values against Islamic extremism. What's the difference between Mr Cameron and the right wing racist thuggery of the English Defence League? A nice suit and an upper class accent.
Adil Ali, Abu Dhabi
A simple question of tailoring
In reference to the business article Canadian favourite Tim Hortons to open shop in UAE February 3), this was my favourite coffee shop when I was studying in Canada.
I like their double double coffee and their Timbits. It would be nice to see them here in Abu Dhabi. My kids will be excited too.
Saif al Kaabi, Abu Dhabi
