Muhammad Rahmat's article on the Rohingya (Myanmar Muslims continue to suffer as the world stays silent, April 28) was a painful but unfortunately true story.
Basic human rights of the Rohingya continue to be violated. The UN agencies have only been able to wring their hands and issue condemnation, but have failed to prevent the abuse.
The world, especially the West, looks on without expressing outrage and indignation at violence against Muslims. One reason is the unfair and unbalanced image of Islam in the media.
Your newspaper has given prominence to the statements of Islamic leaders and scholars, declaring Islam's commitment to peace and tolerance and denouncing terrorism. The UAE, along with the other GCC countries, has been actively helping deprived communities from all faiths.
To be effective, a mind-set must be created across the Islamic world abhorring violence as a way to redress grievances. Awareness campaigns should be designed to bring pressure of an outraged world opinion upon perpetrators of crime against minorities in all countries, especially Myanmar.
The root causes of violence – poverty, deprivation, humiliation and hopelessness – should be addressed. Middle East countries in particular have the resources to end extreme poverty.
A network already exists of experienced international humanitarians who are willing and able to contribute on a voluntary basis to meet these objectives. We hope the UAE and its neighbours can help start up this movement.
Baquer Namazi, Dubai
Top medics drawn by Doha's pay rate
In reference to your article, UAE and other GCC firms recognising need to raise housing and education allowances (April 30), my perception within the medical profession is that the failure to increase allowances has caused hundreds of skilled professionals to leave the UAE and move to Doha.
Qatar is ahead of the UAE in recognising talented physicians, nurses and paramedical staff – and compensating them appropriately, based on experience and education.
Unfortunately , public healthcare in Abu Dhabi is run by executives who do not have a long-term view of what is best for the emirate.
Staff at government hospitals have not received a raise in three years and are now moving to Qatar.
Name withheld by request
Winds of change for liquor licence?
With regard to your article about the Scorpions drummer being jailed (UAE alcohol law: conviction of Scorpions drummer raises questions, April 30), anyone who is drunk and passing through a Muslim country should have the courtesy to respect their culture, faith and traditions.
Nobody is bothered by whether he is famous. It's often when people are drunk that their true colours emerge. He should be banned from visiting the UAE.
Sher Azam, UK
At first, my reaction was that this jail sentence was deserved – until I read the article.
I was not aware that I needed a licence to drink aboard a flight that sells or gives away alcohol – and especially to tourists and passengers who are simply flying through the UAE. This is alarming.
Thank you, The National, for being open and honest in your reporting of this case. The witnesses had contradicting testimony but this man, a minor celebrity and musician, will now spend a month in prison.
Patricia Geiger, Abu Dhabi
I believe the UAE and especially Dubai needs to take a good look at this [liquor licence] law.
If drinking is illegal outside your property, why are there so many bars and clubs serving alcohol?
Also if it's only law for Muslims not to drink, why do non-Muslims have to get a licence? Also, why is it so hard to get a licence, so many rules? Without alcohol there would be a lot fewer tourists, which would mean less revenue.
Natalie Birket, Dubai
Dubai rent system would help capital
With regard to your story, Are landlords being greedy now that the rent cap has been abolished in the capital? (April 30), I think they should issue market rates for areas in Abu Dhabi, like they do in Dubai, so only people who are paying much less than the going rate will be made to pay a lot more.
Emma Ewing, Abu Dhabi
Keeping fit within Dubai's metropolis
It was encouraging to read your news report, New Dubai adventure park welcomed by fitness fans (April 30) and see the way Dubai is encouraging healthy living.
In a city with a large number of high-rise towers, such a concept leads people to think of life outside the home and doing something healthy, not being in malls.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-muslims-plight-shows-need-for-global-action/
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