LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Stop smoking on the stairs, you are bothering everyone
I write to you in reference to Sophie Prideaux’s article How the UAE’s 30-day stair-climbing challenge can transform your
fitness (April 27).
This fitness challenge is truly a great initiative. However, I think participants will find the stair-climbing challenge all the more enjoyable if people stopped acting as though staircases were dedicated smoking rooms. Not only is smoking a bad habit that impacts your health and that of others close by, but I think it is rude for smokers to block the way. Simon Buckerfield, Dubai
Iraqi soldier’s body is found: his family relieved but sad
I write to you in reference to Mina Aldroubi’s article Iraqi soldier’s remains, missing for decades, found after flash floods (April 25).
Mina Aldroubi’s article was a moving read.
Decades back, Iraqi soldier Abdul Amir Al Jadri went missing as he was fighting for his country during the Iraq-Iran war. He is one of many Iraqi soldiers whose remains are yet to be found, but his family never stopped looking for him. Mr Al Jadri’s wife and his son were confident that one day, they will find their beloved father and husband’s body and now, their decades-long search has finally come to an end.
On the one hand, Mr Al Jadri’s family must be relieved, and happy that his remains will finally have a decent burial. But on the other hand, I can only imagine how sorrowful it must feel, to be reminded of a loved one’s tragic death. K Ragavan, Bengaluru
We all have a responsibility to stop bullying in all its forms
I write to you in reference to Damien McElroy’s article Whether it comes from the right or the left, public bullying is
never justified (April 27). Political rivalry exists everywhere, but it is different from bullying and leaders must ensure that public figures do not harass others or encourage their fans to do so. Political opponents should always act with decency and respect. The public must also not indulge in personal attacks. These can have a devastating effect on victims, whether they are famous or not.
Bullying is unacceptable in any of its forms. If you do not like someone, it would be best to look the other way, or give constructive criticism but insults will not get you anywhere. Nazim Hasan Khan, India