Adding fuel to the fire
Antony J. Blinken, the former deputy secretary of state under the Obama administration, was the same person who once advocated destroying Libya (“‘No doubt’ Syrian regime behind chemical attack: Pentagon”, Gulf News, April 12). Now, he says US President Donald Trump did the right thing in bombing Syria, against international law, based on the information that Bashar Al Assad used sarin gas against civilians. Being a superpower does not give a country the right to ignore international law, especially when the whole world is watching and knows there is an agenda that is far beyond our comprehension, but entails the destruction of one Arab country after another.
The Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an intergovernmental organisation located in The Hague, has said that it has initiated contact with the Syrian government, and that it is investigating the attack on Khan Shaikhoun. What is there to investigate? Blinken and Trump have already decided the outcome.
From Mr Kevin Henson
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
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Inclusive political solution
The editorial on recent air strikes by US on Syria was thought-provoking and meaningful (“Trump has to support a political process in Syria”, Gulf News, April 9). Syrian people are growing weary of the civil war and the deadly attacks from various insurgents. Since the US has now intervened, they should enact a safe administration for the welfare of the Syrian people. However, it should not be a futile attempt, as in the case of US intervention in Iraq in 2003.
At this crucial hour, the innocent civilians – particularly seniors, women and children – need safety and peace. Will the US’ strategy work?
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Deadly attack
It was shocking to read that Daesh has claimed responsibility for both attacks on Coptic Christian churches in Egypt, and killing at least 44 people, as worshippers gathered to mark Palm Sunday. This has been the deadliest attack on Coptic Christians. However, Egyptian officials denounced the violence as an attempt to sow division in the country.
These attacks followed a Cairo church bombing in December 2016, which also comes weeks ahead of a planned visit by Pope Francis. To show support for the country’s Christian minority, Pope Francis has said he will still go to Egypt and has sent his condolences to the Coptic patriarch, Pope Tawadros II.
Copts, who make up about one-tenth of Egypt’s population of more than 94 million, and who celebrate Easter for a week, have been targeted by many attacks in recent months. Extremists accuse Copts of supporting the military to overthrow Mohammad Mursi, which resulted in a crackdown on his supporters.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Kerala, India
The other way around
It’s good to hear the authorities are offering aid to tenants (“Dubai Police to help tenants wronged by landlords in rental disputes”, Gulf News, April 11). Is there also protection for landlords from bad tenants or developers? This is also something to think about.
From Mr Irshad Valli
UAE
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Rule breakers
Violations regarding health insurance have been going around for quite some time (“25 health insurance rule violators in Dubai fined Gulf News, April 11). Clinics and hospitals around the world have made millions from this. The question is – what if clinics compromise their services? Many suffer in silence.
From Mr Huzefa Diwan
UAE
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A lifetime of experience
I have great respect for people who spent most of their lives abroad, far removed from their families, in unfamiliar surroundings (“Indian leaving UAE after 48 years has fond memories”, Gulf News, April 10). These kinds of stories give me the motivation to work hard.
From Mr Ahsan Esmail Malik
UAE
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