I refer to the editorial, It is a losing game in Syria (August 30). It is sad that after the killing of several thousands of people in Syria during the past few years of civil conflict, a political settlement to the whole issue has still gone nowhere. Whoever is to blame for these mass killings, whether the leadership or others, must realise that the atrocity has been carried out on their own people. "Winning" doesn't give anyone privilege. On the contrary, people lost trust in their leaders, the very people who are supposed to safeguard their rights to live in peace. The situation of refugees struggling to return home is disgraceful.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Western Europe flyer market seems to be recovering
In reference to your article, Etihad signs agreement with Argentine carrier (August 27), it has now become more clear why the national carrier left Air Berlin. What makes me happy is that it looks like the number of western European passengers has since improved. This means that the market must be recovering, which can only be a good thing.
Marija Maria, Dubai
Petrol prices are rising around the globe
In reference to your article, UAE petrol prices to bump up in September (August 29), here in the US, Hurricane Harvey will have an immediate impact on domestic gasoline prices. I'm sure filling stations are already increasing their prices.
Kevin McCarthy, United States
Are there alternatives to VAT?
I refer to your article, VAT and small businesses - what are the implications? (August 29). The VAT system is well-known and is hardly a leap in the dark. Still, it can put a strain on businesses - especially small start-ups, which the UAE is hoping will drive an entrepreneurial powerhouse for a post-oil economy. Like anywhere in the world, it will force increased government expenditure on a new department to collect and enforce the VAT law. That, coupled with job losses and a rise in the cost of living, may lead to the less fortunate having to pay a bigger proportion of their incomes than anyone else.
Andy Preston, Abu Dhabi
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The years Ramadan fell in May
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Volunteers offer workers a lifeline
Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.
When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.
Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.
Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.
“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.
Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.
“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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ARGYLLE
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The biog
Name: Ayisha Abdulrahman Gareb
Age: 57
From: Kalba
Occupation: Mukrema, though she washes bodies without charge
Favourite things to do: Visiting patients at the hospital and give them the support they need.
Role model: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
