A collapsible wall could have minimised casualties in South Korea's plane tragedy

I write in reference to the article South Korea orders airline safety inspections after Jeju Air crash (December 30): I was deeply saddened to read about the plane crash that claimed the lives of 179 people. The loss of so many lives is deeply upsetting. Despite the precautions taken by the aviation industry, incidents such as this continue to occur. While technical issues often contribute to such disasters, these incidents are simply unacceptable. Passenger safety must always be a top priority, and a thorough investigation into the true causes of this crash should be conducted.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

It is possible that the presence of a concrete wall at the end of the runway contributed to so many deaths. If this wall had been collapsible, with guide lights attached to it – something that is said to be common in other countries – the plane might simply have skidded over a small road into a nearby field. There may have been more survivors.

Name withheld upon request

In fairness, the deadly crashes as well as the near escapes we saw over the past week were extremely rare events. The chances that your plane is shot down or crashes into a concrete wall almost never happens.

Name withheld upon request

Call it what it is

I write in reference to the article New Orleans attack: FBI investigates 'act of terrorism' after car rams crowd, killing at least 15 (January 1): terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. It typically involves acts intended to create fear, disrupt societies and achieve certain goals by targeting non-combatants or symbols of power.

When you "mass kill" civilians, it’s terrorism. We must stop [calling it anything else]. No matter where people are being targeted and who the instigator is, they are victims of terrorism.

Lillie Mathilde, Atlanta, Georgia

Women in positions of power

I write in reference to the article Syria's new leaders appoint first woman head of central bank (December 31): this is a smart move from Syria's new leadership group. Maysaa Sabrine is said to have the experience necessary for such an important task. This step will also inspire and encourage other citizens, especially women, to step up in service of the nation.

Yaw OH Owusu Boadi, Honolulu, US