Many who enjoy the quality of life in the UAE have no problem whatsoever with the introduction of tax. Indeed, we are happy to contribute to the government's expenditure to sustain our quality infrastructure, world-class services, safety and security.
However, despite the extensive efforts made by the finance ministry to clarify which sectors are exempt, confusion continues to reign over its implementation in the telecommunications sector. I refer specifically to VAT in UAE: Etisalat and Du announce charges (November 29). I thought this sector was among the six that are exempt from tax. Apparently companies must register with the tax authority but telecommunications services are currently zero-rated.
VAT implementation will only be successful if applied as intended.
Elan Fabbri, Dubai
Gandhi's legacy lies in his abstention from power
I refer to your article Zimbabwe's regime change is a reset of where power lies (November 25). It's ironic that his departure was so unceremonious after enjoying unrivalled power for almost four decades. What is even more ironic is that he had originally led the country's path to freedom. By contrast, Mahatma Gandhi had waged non-violent struggle for the freedom of India but sought no position in politics after his country achieved independence, of which he was the principal architect. He never stood for elections nor acquired any assets or money. That is why he remained respected in India long after he had died.
Rajendra Aneja, India
US-North Korea tensions seem to be reaching a hiatus
I refer to your article Likelihood of war against North Korea is "increasing every day" (December 3). Kim Jong-un's illegal missile tests are provocative on any given day, but matters are reaching a hiatus now that the administration is officially citing war as a possibility. Will that prompt the peninsula to calm the game or will they continue to flex their muscles?
K Ragavan, India
Will the United Nations be able to shoulder the burden of war?
I refer to your article UN appeals for record $22.5bn in global aid for 2018 (December 2). It is obvious that aid requirements are increasing with each passing year, whether due to the increase in refugees and war zones or because of increasing costs and populations. The humanitarian disasters in Syria and Yemen are taking their toll on aid budgets, despite the fact that aid requirements in some countries have actually decreased. Whether the United Nations will be able to meet these figures is another question.
Name withheld by request
