A blot on Pakistan
From Mr. P. Roberts, Dubai
I refer to Mr. Rizvi's letter ("National hero" Gulf News, February 13) describing Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan as a hero.

Dr. Khan's main contribution to Pakistan's nuclear programme was the theft of blueprints for uranium centrifuges from the Netherlands in 1976, a crime for which he was charged.

He then proceeded to sell the same information by creating the biggest network for the spread of WMDs ever uncovered, providing key technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

This shameful issue has put Pakistan in the international spotlight. Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf was forced to act against.

Dr. Khan when threatened with sanctions by the US and the UN. In other words, Pakistan would be treated like the rogue states its technology was sold to. Surely Dr. Khan is not a hero.

Injustice
From Mr. D. Atkinson, Fujairah
I read with interest the story about the legal problems faced by Henk Van Rein (Gulf News, February 15). It is a very poignant yet sobering reminder that it is not only workers from the Subcontinent who can fall afoul of the judicial system.

I do not know Van Rein, although I am a co-worker of the two individuals who are providing him much-needed support during his ordeal. I hope that your focus on his plight will spur the courts to expedite these cases, which cast such an unfavourable light on the UAE.

After two-and-a-half years, his case has still not been adjudicated. Outrageous! To quote William Gladstone, "Justice delayed, is justice denied."

Incompatible
From Mr. R. Zimmermann, Abu Dhabi
Isn't it a shame that two advanced technology players (Nokia and Etisalat) are unable to get their products to comply with each other?

Nokia has been selling its newest phone, the 6600, for over three months to unsuspicious buyers without informing them that the promoted functions, like e-mail, WAP, MMS, GPRS, are not compliant with Etisalat.

On inquiry with Emirates Computer, I was told that Etisalat would fix it (this was three months ago).

Etisalat is selling the Internet connection GPRS (over telephone) without informing its customers about the problem. On complaining, I heard that Nokia has not given the settings to Etisalat yet!

Mr. A. Bin Ali, Manager, Public Relations, Etisalat, replies: Etisalat created UAELAB, dedicated to the specific task of approving telecommunications equipment to ensure their compatibility with Etisalat's networks and technical specifications. Local vendors are required to obtain prior approval from UAELAB for any telecommunications product before offering it to be sold for use in the UAE.

Editor's note: This letter was sent to Emirates Computer for comment but despite repeated reminders, no response was received.

Effect of publication
From Mr. P.C. Ummer, Abu Dhabi
After you had published my letter ("Rude behaviour" Gulf News, February 10), a representative of the Abu Dhabi Municipality Transport Department called me and invited me to meet the manager.

The manager apologised and complimented me for bringing up such a complaint, for them to improve their services. I thank them for their action, and Gulf News for its intervention.

Foul play
From Mr. E.K., Dubai
Many of the silver-medal winning volleyball players pictured alongside the article "American University in Dubai prove their class" (Gulf News, Sport, February 12), who played for the American University in Dubai, AUD, team at the International University Sports Festival, were not AUD students.

They were semi-professional players from Lebanon, who were recruited to assist the AUD team only for this tournament.

This is an insult to the AUD's regular team members and students. Were they not good enough to play against other college teams on their own? How can an educational institution behave in such a way?
Full name withheld by request

It's not fine
From A Reader, Dubai
For a true fan, the Whitney Houston concert was a sad affair. Her voice was very coarse, cutting at times, and she was unable to reach the high note that is her trademark.

She complained of a bad cold. If you look at her performance a few months ago at the MTV Music Awards, it was similar. The mid-range songs were good and she still has amazing energy on stage.

I also fail to understand why the organisers didn't arrange any big screens. When you pay a premium price, you expect premium service. On that night, we were massively let down.
Name withheld by request

Misplaced
From Mr. A. Ahmed, Dubai
I refer to the picture captioned "Taking shape" (Gulf News, February 14). The Arts and Science City Complex is in Valencia, Spain, not Italy. I visited it in December last year. Magnificent structure!