Why talk about inhabiting Mars?

We have a long way to go to achieve our Martian dream, a reader says. Other topics: road safety, Mohamed Nasheed, Ahmed Al Menhali

We have a long way to go to achieve our Martian dream, a reader says. Bryan Versteeg / Mars One

I don't know why we are talking about inhabiting Mars (To boldly grow crops on Mars, July 4). Even if we manage to change its terrain, we will have no protection against violent solar flares.

It would take hundreds of years to make Mars habitable for humans.

Kristina Margit, Abu Dhabi

Keep safety in mind as Eid approaches

Motorists should drive cautiously during Eid (UAE drivers urged to exercise caution and obey rules during Eid Al Fitr holiday, July 4). I hope people remember that such festivals are to celebrate and not to mourn the loss of a loved one. If only we abide by the laws and refrain from speeding, accidents and related fatalities can be averted.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Cab drivers need training

I refer to Brett Debritz’s opinion article Seeking a shortcuton the journey to road safety (July 4). It is a nice piece.

It is true that taxi drivers often do not follow safe driving practices.

The main problem is speeding. It would be useful to hold counselling and training sessions for habitual offenders.

Errors on the roads are a matter of life and death, hence utmost care and precaution are necessary.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

US should be ashamed

I am sorry that Ahmed Al Menhali had to go through such a terrible ordeal in my country (Police and officials apologise to Emirati arrested in US, July 3). It is vastly different from the warm welcome I receive in this country.

Emiratis are kind to me. They hold doors for me and help me in other ways as I’m in a wheelchair. They talk to me and make me feel welcome.

What Mr Al Menhali experienced was shameful. He should press charges against the hotel and demand justice for being treated so harshly. He should be proud to educate them about the UAE and explain how his country is assisting in the war against terrorism.

He should tell them about Maj Mariam Al Mansouri, the fighter pilot who made her country proud. He should also point out that ignorance breeds ignorance.

I would be proud to walk beside him in his traditional dress in my country. I’m glad I’m raising my children here. They will not grow up to judge others based on looks, religion, race and creed.

Diana Phelps, Dubai

As an American who has lived quite a while in the UAE and has adopted Emirati culture as my own. I am nervous about travelling stateside this summer (Ohio incident is a moment of reflection, July 4).

I will, however, continue to wear my abaya because it is a part of who I am and I will not change who I am because of the ignorance of others.

Chassie Selouane, Abu Dhabi

An apology is not enough. What if they accidentally shot this man? Would they still say sorry? Thes people ought to be pulled up for being so ignorant.

Name withheld by request

This was a stray incident. I don’t think we should generalise this event. It does not reflect the attitude of the United States.

Benazir Zakir, Dubai

I am sorry for the incident. I am glad that Mr Al Menhali escaped with his life. My colleagues, friends and I often talk about how safe we feel here in this country. In my country, Canada, we have a minister of defence who is a Sikh and wears a turban. We are a country of immigrants, a “kinder, gentler nation”.

Filomena Martellacci, Dubai

Nasheed is not Mandela

I don't think Mohamed Nasheed is the "Mandela of the Maldives" (Newsmaker: Mohamed Nasheed, July 2).

Mr Nasheed came to power after promising so much, but he did not live up to his promises.

The Maldives went through a lot of crises during his leadership, particularly in terms of the economy.

Name withheld by request