Unaccommodating landlords
I live in a building in Nabaa area. The rent was increased last year, and this year again, by 20 per cent! This is against municipality rules.

The building owner has notified some tenants to vacate the flats if they are unwilling to pay the increased rents. For a week, all the lights in the corridors of all floors were out; even the emergency stairs remained unlit. This is against security measures. And, all building maintenance work has been slowed down.

This is a clever way to force tenants to move out so the rent can be doubled for the new occupants. The authorities should take action to check such greedy landlords.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request

Build low-cost housing
Recently, real estate agents and landlords were blaming the market for the 100 to 700 per cent increase in rents in the UAE. Who is deciding the market condition every day? I believe this market is a creation of the avaricious landlords.

The authorities should curb this menace. It is shocking that the newly constructed flats, with a micro room and a veranda-like hall, are being offered for an unimaginable rent of Dh50,000 a year.

This is the cost of a medium-size villa in India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka. Landlords should offer accommodation for people from all segments of society to lead a normal life.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Bound to the President
I refer to Ms Menon's letter "Powell should have quit" (Gulf News, April 2). Had former US Secretary of State Colin Powell resigned, he could have expressed his opposition to the Iraq war.

But things do not happen that way in American politics. President George W. Bush and his war-cabinet were on a major campaign to oust Saddam Hussain. Powell also felt that Saddam was a threat to Iraq's neighbours and America.

At the same time, Powell was fundamentally against the war. But it seems he was bound to follow his president. That is why Powell sacrificed his integrity for the sake of his administration's unity.
From Mr M.F. Shamsi
Ajman

Prejudiced
I agree with the letter "Biased media" (Gulf News, April 2). Often you see news stations broadcasting programmes misguiding people about Islam. Recently, an Arabic network, based in an Arab country, broadcast a news programme wherein it interviewed a "Muslim" woman who initially praised her religion.

Later, when she was battered by her husband, she was shown as if mocking her earlier statements regarding Islam. Incidents of assault and battery take place regularly, but it is never mentioned whether the person was a Jew or a Christian or black or white.

However, if an isolated incident takes place amongst Muslims, it is projected as if all Muslims are to blame. This is sickening!
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Booming economy
It is with growing interest that we in the West take note of the highly developed UAE and its booming economy. As an international recruiter based in South Africa, we are blown away by the standard of living our people enjoy in the UAE as well as the added experience they themselves bring to the table. May our countries continue to share in all growth aspects, thrive and grow in respect for each other.
From Ms N. Whiting
Cape Town, South Africa

Tracking device
The article about the Dubai police being able to track one's car by using Global Positioning System (GPS) was interesting (Gulf News, April 1). It states only some of the latest models of Mercedes Benz and BMW are equipped with GPS systems that can be connected to the police control room.

However, my Harley Davidsons have also been equipped with GPS tracking systems brought into the market by CarresQ. For only Dh1,750 and a small monthly fee, I installed the small device on my bikes and can track my bikes on the internet anytime, anywhere.

On my computer in my home I can trace my belongings and can even see when someone moves or starts the engines! This is very useful against theft.
From Mr J.H. Gulikers
Dubai

No way!
In his letter "School buses a must" (Gulf News, March 31) Mr Radhakrishnan mentions that traffic is bad due to parents driving their children to school. I disagree with his suggestion to make it mandatory to send children in school buses.

I don't think it is safe for my child to use the school bus. As regards traffic, there are other factors that lead to jams.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Railway network
I applaud the UAE for making strides in every sector. However, the absence of cheaper forms of transport is frustrating. All modern cities in the world boast of metro rail services. An express train connecting all the emirates would be an excellent idea.
From Mr T.E. Thomas
Abu Dhabi

Early warning
Congratulations to the demolition team for their excellent work on the old Hilton. However, it might have been better if someone had thought of warning nearby residents of the impending explosions.

In the Trade Centre Apartments, we were woken by a massive explosion. We thought that terrorists had struck in the heart of Dubai.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Be transparent
The passing of the Patents Act for drugs is a drastic step in coming to terms with the World Trade Organisation. The Indian Government should take note that about 400 million people cannot afford the drugs at the present prices. The contents of the Bill should have been made transparent to the trading class before it was passed.

Now the government says this could be applicable to 2,000 items from the present 550 without mentioning all the names of the items. The government should consider the state of India's economy before passing the Bill.
From Mr A. Madrecha
Dubai