Middle Eastern unity

I think that the basic step in resolving the Middle East’s crises is for all the Arab leaders to get together and tell the West to leave the region (‘UAE ‘ready to join fight against terrorism’,’ Gulf News, September 12). Then, I think they should form an association to tackle any aggression and oppressors, legitimately and logically.

Most people in the Muslim world are of the opinion that all these issues in the Middle East are created by the West for personal and financial gains, like oil. Think about it, they create the world economic crisis, people in their countries are unemployed, don’t have a means to survive and the governments are at war with the world, making them believe that they are the saviours of the world. They have ruined so many countries so far, who were led by dictators, but didn’t kill as many innocent people as the US has.

From Mr Adil

Dubai

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Educating youth

What would be said of Arab nations in decades to come? It’s high time that Arab countries took up their responsibilities. It isn’t about money alone, we need to think and discover the reasons for all these militant groups across the globe. The most important part of it is to motivate young Arabs to be well educated.

I think there is a lack of sound education that affects a lot of the Arab youth. Many can’t express themselves with simple English. This breaks them off from a real society that can be easily manipulated by the evil doers. Religious leaders should always teach the real word of God. There needs to be a separation of religion and politics. The message of love, tolerance, peace, development and growth should be the focal point of their message.

From Ms Simi

Dubai

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Beware of bullying

As a mother, I am frightened and I don’t want bullying to happen to my children (‘Victim of stabbing recovering but might spend birthday in hospital,’ Gulf News, September 11). I always teach my children not to hurt anyone, physically or verbally, because they don’t have any right to do it.

My daughter also experienced bullying in her school, and as a mother I am the first one who gets hurt for her. In times like this, I always tell her to keep out of trouble and communicate with the teacher so that they can properly mediate and reprimand whoever is wrong. I always make it a point to visit the school and talk with the teacher so they can be aware of situations and look into them.

We need to start teaching our children respect and to stay out of trouble always. We are creating a new generation here and what we teach inside our houses are the things they are going to remember and do, as we let them go out of our sight.

From Ms Charm

Dubai

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Actions and consequences

I agree with the reader Charm on this. We, as parents, are the main source for our children’s wellbeing. Open communication within the family and constant reminders of the consequences of our actions, could lead the children to think before they act.

I could say that both families are victims in this situation. It is sad to say that the root cause of this could lead to the ruin of at least one of these children’s lives. I’m praying that somehow, there will be room for forgiveness.

From Mr Joey

Dubai

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Zero tolerance

The responsibility of this issue resides in the system, which does not provide students with the resources to inform or be looked after whenever there is bullying in school. There should be a complaint box inside every classroom, so that if anyone is a victim of bullying, they can just drop in a message. There should be zero tolerance against any verbal or physical abuse in school.

From Ms Symes

Texas, US

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Active parenting needing

As a parent, I think that there needs to be tighter security at the schools. It’s also important for parents to be part of their children’s day-to-day lives to keep an eye on them. It’s easier for the parent to keep an eye on the child than for the school to diligently check hundreds of children.

Parents are often the first to sense a change in behaviour, and so they should always be checking for any signs of bullying so that they can talk it out and get it taken up with the teachers to find a solution. I think these types of circumstances has more do to with the role of parents.

From Mr Anu

Dubai

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Desperate measures

When somebody is saying that the probability that the stabbing could be a result of earlier bullying by the stab victim, why is the mother trying to hide that fact? Her son may have been stabbed because of his unacceptable actions.

It is a question of what prompted a little boy to take such a serious action. Bullying by older children in schools is a reality, and the earlier it is identified and nipped in the bud, the better. Bullying sometimes shatters the victims completely and the bully gets off free without consequences.

From Mr Josh

Dubai

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Loved and respected

The men who were killed in this tragic roadside accident were really respectful guys with big dreams to achieve (‘When death came knocking on their last farewell,’ Gulf News, September 11). Our school was so lucky to have these young men graduating from there. We were really shocked when we heard the news last Tuesday, knowing that they were really close friends who did everything together.

We had a very teary and tragic morning on Wednesday when they talked about them. The whole school respected them and we all as students are still shocked from what has happened. Three months ago, they were in front of us and now they’re gone. May their souls rest in peace.

From Mr Jood Tarek

Sharjah

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Bring them courage

I’m almost in tears over this story. It’s a very sad event for all the families involved. Even if the guilty pays blood money to all, it shall not bring a mother’s child back. I plead to the authorities to educate young drivers in matters of security. I pray to God to give patience and courage to the parents and families of the deceased.

From Mr Mobeen

Dubai

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Lessons to remember

I am saddened by the news. It takes all the patience in the world to overcome such an event. All drivers should bear in mind the loss they may cause due to arrogance or negligence. May God give us better understanding of the importance of life.

From Ms Humayun

Dubai

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The price of ignorance

It’s sad they had to pay to the price for someone else’s ignorance, who surprisingly got away with ‘minor’ injuries. I really hope justice is done for the sake of these boys and their families. If you can get a license at 18 years, I think you’re responsible enough to understand the consequences too. May their souls rest in peace.

From Mr Anil Kumar

UAE

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Not a game

My heart weeps to read this. One can see an increased trend of irresponsible driving by all ages. Lane cutting, tailgating, road rage and abuses are some of the major factors that continue to be fatal on the road. People behind the steering wheel need to bear in mind that they are driving a machine and lives are always at stake. It’s not a gaming session where one can restart by merely pressing a few buttons.

The lives lost can never be replaced. The perpetrator of such accidents will likely never overcome the trauma faced. There is no reset button in such cases.

From Mr Syed

Dubai

Full name withheld by request

Deepest condolences

This news has been out for a week now, and I tried to avoid reading it as I know how painful it is to be left behind. I don’t know what pushed me to read this story, but now I’m sobbing. I give my deepest condolences to the bereaved family of these boys. I hope in time they will find comfort and peace with their passing. It might take years, but I know God will never forsake us.

From Ms Christine

Abu Dhabi

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Heart breaking

This should not have happened. The thought of bringing up your children and then losing them like this would break your heart. May God give peace to these children and patience to their parents. Losing children should not happen to any parent.

From Mr Mohammad

Sharjah

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