I write in reference to your article Death toll in Syria's Eastern Ghouta crosses 900 (March 8): How can the death of all these civilians possibly be necessary? These people are clearly not fighters, and what benefit to the regime are the streets of Eastern Ghouta, now covered with rubble, bricks and crumbled buildings. I am not from that part of the world, but I do read your paper and I was hoping someone could shine a light on this for me.
Sue Harrop, UK
Diplomacy holds the only answers in Yemen conflict
Please refer to Damien McElroy's timely article UK offers assistance to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's transformation vision (March 6) and your editorial Yemenis are rebelling against the Houthis (March 6): While the Crown Prince is visiting the UK and the US to strengthen ties, he will also be showered with praise for improving the conditions and status of women in his country. Western leaders should not hesitiate to speak to him about the Yemen crisis.
As you underscored in your thought-provoking editorial, ordinary Yeminis are protesting against the Houthi occupation. However, the Yemen crisis will best be solved through a diplomatic solution. Perhaps the UK or France could take the lead in facilitating the negotiations?
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Prayers for peace and normality in Sri Lanka
In reference to your article Sri Lanka deploys police and military after Buddhist-Muslim clash (March 7): After a year of simmering tensions, the conflict between Buddhist and Muslim groups was aggravated last Monday when a Muslim's shop was torched.
This is the context for the Sri Lankan government imposing a ten-day curfew and a sad development in Sri Lankan politics. I am sure there will be an impact on the many tourists who are in the country, and indeed on the Indian cricket team who are there also.
Communal tensions have been more visible globally in recent months, marking an unhealthy trend. I am praying for normality and peace in the country during the ten-day curfew.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
EU membership clashed with British sensibilities
I refer to Mary Smith's letter David Cameron has only himself to blame (March 4): Ms Smith gives us the usual pro-EU line of British voters choosing to leave the EU "because they are afraid of immigrants". In fact most of us want out because Britain has lost its identity amid persistent attempts for decades by Germany, France, Italy and Spain to "unify" Europe – to walk in and subjugate the most spirited, free-willed and brilliant group of countries in the world.
Go-getting and decisive, the British are found all over the world. The UAE often looks to Britain for engineering, medical and financial staff. After years in Europe we were starting to lose our touch. It’s now time to stand up again.
Dave Heenan, UK
The biog
Age: 46
Number of Children: Four
Hobby: Reading history books
Loves: Sports
Brief scores
Barcelona 2
Pique 36', Alena 87'
Villarreal 0
THE BIO
Age: 33
Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill
Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.
Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?
Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Allardyce's management career
Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)
Countries (1) - England (2016)
The biog
Profession: Senior sports presenter and producer
Marital status: Single
Favourite book: Al Nabi by Jibran Khalil Jibran
Favourite food: Italian and Lebanese food
Favourite football player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese and some Spanish
Website: www.liliane-tannoury.com
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m, Winner SS Lamea, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer).
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m, Winner AF Makerah, Sean Kirrane, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m, Winner Maaly Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,600m, Winner AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m, Winner Morjanah Al Reef, Brett Doyle, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,200m, Winner Mudarrab, Jim Crowley, Erwan Charpy
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')
Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 3 (Abraham 11', 17', 74')
Luton Town 1 (Clark 30')
Man of the match Abraham (Chelsea)
