Ryanair CEO’s comments on Muslim men uncalled for

The call by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary for extra checks on Muslim men at airports is a crass act of naked Islamophobia. Instead of relying on stereotypes, he and his security officials should focus on signs of actual criminal conduct. His unfortunate statement could be characterised as invidious discrimination undermining our commitment to liberty and justice for all. Religious profiling is ineffective. Terrorists come from diverse backgrounds, and as law enforcement officials acknowledge are aware of profiles and how to avoid them. Religious and racial profiling betrays the values without any benefit to our security. Discrimination among human beings on the grounds of religion or belief constitutes an affront to human dignity and a disavowal of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. —Farouk Araie, Johannesburg

Smooth trade and diplomatic relationships are not a one-way street. Britain’s strict visa regulation to stop the inflow of less-skilled workforce from the European nations will be retaliated in kind by the European nations, and Britain could face a serious economic crisis. The recent change in visa system, change of passport colour, and Brexit could hurt Britain more than benefit it. The European Union will not show mercy and is likely to severely punish Britain economically.

A few minutes at the Dover port, England, show the thick trade relations between the EU and Britain. There is a frequent flow of trucks from and to the European nations. About 2.5 million trucks pass through the English Channel, and around 1.7 million trucks a year use the tunnel. This number would be seriously impacted as Britain and the EU part ways. Who will win in this warfare? My hunch is the EU. —A. S. Mathew, KT website

SEE FULL VERSION OF LETTERS IN WWW.KHALEEJTIMES.COM

Britain unlikely to benefit from the new visa system or Brexit