Wage should be linked with education

I refer to the article Wage rise for public workers ruled out (March 11). If people want to progress their wages, they should expect to progress their education level as well. This is a country that does a lot for its people, but if those who haven't attempted high school get more than Dh10,000 a month, they will think that they don't have to put in much effort to earn that sum. I have three young kids and am hoping to complete my bachelor's degree. If I can do it, they can do it as well. It's not easy, but it will be worth it. I think the minister of finance made a wise choice.

T Malnar, Dubai

Nicole puts her foot in it

I had to do a double take this morning when I saw the picture of Nicole Kidman on the front wrap advertisement in your newspaper as the new face of Etihad Airways.

To me, the height of bad manners when travelling is to put one’s feet up on a passenger seat. Whether on a bus, tram, or metro, it shows a lack of courtesy to others who would have to sit on that spot.

In a previous life as a teacher when speaking about manners, this was something that was often pointed out to youngsters. So, to see the picture of Kidman (an actor for whom I have a lot of respect) with her foot on a passenger seat was very disappointing. Come on Etihad, if you are going to show class, make sure it isn’t low!

Michael L, Abu Dhabi

The inimitable dabbawalas

I am one of those thousands of people who availed myself of the services of Mumbai's dabbawalas (Meal system runs like clockwork, March 14). The level of their efficiency and the sheer scale of their operation are mind boggling. Newspapers and television channels from across the world have covered their stories, while universities such as Stanford and Harvard have done research on their business model. Their operation style has been a subject of study for business management courses in many institutions. Yet, I wonder why their business model has not been emulated by any commercial organisation in India. Is it so intricate that it cannot be copied? That's hard to believe.

Manish Sharma, India

Israel needs a new order

The expected result of a new coalition government in Israel’s Knesset on March 17, headed by a new prime minister who really wants a political settlement with the indigenous Palestinian people, is the fervent hope of so many Jewish communities around the world (Alienated by Bibi, West hopes for new Israeli leader, March 15).

They demand an end to the blockade of Gaza, illegal settlements and the killing of innocent civilians. The failure of the Likud agenda is palpable throughout Israel as killings on both sides increase and security is tightened amidst talk of a third intifada.

Critically also, anti-Semitic incidents around the world have risen at an alarming rate as Jews everywhere are falsely seen as supporters of far-right, Likud Zionist policies.

This is the reason why Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud agenda need to be jettisoned in favour of a pragmatic political approach by a party that will bring a permanent peace to both peoples. And that will conceivably also have a long-term, important effect on the Middle East, as a whole.

Anthony Bellchambers, UK

What happens to seized animals?

I agree that exotic animals should be removed from private homes (Sharjah address is one lioness less, March 9). But what happens to those animals when they are taken away from their owners? Many of them are traumatised. Do they get good care?

Sascha Andreas, Dubai

Regarding the news report, the mentality of those who buy these animals illegally is a threat to the survival and mental health of those species.

It is a responsibility of any empathetic person to report such crimes. And in most cases, those who own these animals will laugh at the fine of Dh100,000. It should be about 10 times that amount.

Name withheld by request