I am writing about Antony Loewenstein's opinion piece about the defence industry (Who profits as the EU militarises its borders? August 1).
All of the wars happening in the world are horrible. The people flooding into the European Union have to bear the burden of these wars. The people flowing into the EU from these countries should not have to. They should be given the chance to stay in their home countries.
But the international community hasn’t been able to end these conflicts and civilians are forced to flee because they can’t find safety at home.
Bashar Al Assad has been heartless in the destruction of his own country. And, of course, groups such as ISIL have spread fear, destruction and death.
It is a horrific situation and not one anyone could wish for. But the hope is that one day soon peace shall return and all those people now walking towards an uncertain future will return to their countries and rebuild.
Peace shall come, there is no doubt. And all the wrongs shall be righted.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
The global refugee crisis is horrible, period. Making money from it just takes that to a whole new level of horrible.
Paul Martin, Dubai
Hike up the fine for animal abuse
Concerning your report Animal cruelty horrors spur calls for reform in India (August 1), this is a problem of global proportions. Recently, many incidents of animal abuse have been reported around the world.
Nominal penalties don’t dissuade people from abusing animals. The authorities have to get serious and crack down on people who hurt animals.
K Ragavan, India
There is widespread animal cruelty such as in China. The horrors are too numerous to rpeat. It is good that more people around the world are being exposed to these horrors.
We have to be educated about what is happening on a regular basis to animals so that we can press our authorities to stop people who abuse these creatures.
Name withheld by request
There is something seriously wrong in the heads of these sick people. Pathetic and weak laws against animal abuse seem to be little more a waste of time. Pointless, mindless cruelty.
Lisa Justice, Dubai
Sewage is not the only issue
I am writing about the sewage situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle in your report, Kicking up a stink: sewage tanker spill is final straw for JVT residents (August 1).
Sewage lorries aren’t the only problem in this neighbourhood.
There are issues with the security service providers, dangerous potholes and uncovered manholes all over the village.
Additionally, construction is happening around the clock, and landscaping has been left to dry and root for months.
Jumeirah Village Triangle has the poorest community management I have experienced here.
Wiltrud Matthews, Dubai
Traffic fines at the airport
Your report, Forcing UAE expats to pay traffic fines before travelling could 'change behaviour' (August 1), shed light on an important issue.
I hope the recently implemented removal of discounts to speeding fines and the new suggestion to make it mandatory to pay the fine before exiting the country will bring a fear factor in the minds of those who violate traffic rules.
Generally, those who pay up diligently have a fear for themselves and other road users and comply with the rules.
What is yet to be experienced as a result of these new moves are behavioural changes from those who seldom travel outside and do not pay up.
I sincerely wish that this group of reckless drivers becomes a minority on our roads. Safe road sense must prevail if we are going to have fewer traffic accidents and avoid unnecessary deaths.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Could this not be a general rule across the country and apply to everyone? In some countries, if you don’t pay fines then you are sent to jail.
Maybe this is a course of action that should be considered to improve the dire road safety situation on our roads.
Myllymaa Jus, Dubai

