As a long-time friend of the gracious Emirati people and a military adviser and trainer of Emirati military personnel in the US, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the two Emirati martyrs, Zayed Al Kaabi and Mohammed Al Hmoudi.
Stephen Franke, US
The news of the pilots’ death saddened me immensely. I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
However, I feel proud of Emiratis who are so patriotic that they are always ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their country.
May God bless the country and its people.
Anuroop S, Sharjah
Misdiagnosis is rampant
I agree that doctors wrongly give many patients inhalers for asthma when in fact they just have shortness of breath (Doctors misdiagnosing patients with asthma, UAE health professionals say, March 17).
And I chuckle when they tell patients: “You have a little bit of flu.” You either have it or you don’t. If you do, you can’t get out of bed to get to a doctor. There is nothing little about flu.
Lisa Justice, Dubai
The implications of Trump’s win
Regarding Sholto Byrnes's opinion article Why Donald Trump as president might not be all that bad (March 14), a Trump presidency would mean Israel losing $6bn in US aid.
Benjamin Netanyahu now faces the possibility of having to deal with a Republican president who would certainly not be a “patsy” in a lobby-controlled White House.
The current global attitude to Israel’s continued illegal settlement policy has hardened into one of angry impatience at Mr Netanyahu’s obstructive tactics in regard to the establishment of an independent state of Palestine.
Also, as a consequence of Israel’s six-year blockade of essential medical, food and building supplies into Gaza, hundreds of thousands of civilians are living in a bombed-out enclave with only enough food to keep the entire population at just above subsistence level.
However, there now appears to be the possibility of a consensus for a UN resolution to force Israel to comply with international law and for the imposition of a deadline for compliance, failing which US and EU trade with Israel could be drastically restricted.
That there needs to be a paradigm shift in the international attitude towards Israeli policy in the occupied territories is an essential factor in Middle East politics and future peace, and with a Trump presidency that would almost certainly become a priority for the US and EU.
Anthony Bellchambers, UK
Mr Trump wants to build borders between America and Mexico and force the latter to pay for it, move factories from China and manufacture in the US and block Muslims from entering the country.
Not just these, but he is a failure as a businessman.
He was born rich, which is the reason behind his success. America will never prosper under Mr Trump.
Aouse K Al Anee, Abu Dhabi
Unfortunately there’s less money to be made for the lords of war in times of peace.
Giles Heaton, Dubai
Deal directly with the landlord
In reference to the column Dubai tenant and landlord swindled by property agency as cheque bounces (March 16), I think it's best to deal with the landlord directly if you are looking to rent a property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Al Mulla, Abu Dhabi
Tales such as these are becoming all too familiar. Remember to only write cheques directly to the landlord and always get copies of any paperwork, including the power of attorney. If possible, ensure that all verbal communications are backed up with emails too.
Name withheld by request