Unnecessary provocation
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad's comments were unnecessary ("Mahathir backs militants", Gulf News, February 8). He should speak with more dignity. We all know that the Iraq war has been a misadventure. While Mahathir speaks of "the deaths of US soldiers, body bags and coffins", he must understand that there is no strategy. Bush sends troops over with little thought to where they come from - prison, unemployment lines and reservists who are just barely literate and not familiar with Middle Eastern culture or beliefs. He doesn't have the capacity to care how many come home in body bags. But, provocation of this nature serves no purpose.
Ms B. Cummings
Dubai
Gulf News Reader's Club member
Stop this, please
It has been announced that school fees are going to increase. The fees were increased last year as well in my school. Parents have already paid a lot of money but now this is getting too much! I request the authorities to stop the increase in fees, as parents cannot afford so much.
From Mr Kulsum Ansari
Dubai
Whose responsibility?
I am a single parent and need time to look for options with fee hikes. Even though it is unaffordable for me, I don't mind if the quality of education is worth it. It is the parents who teach their children in the name of revision work including projects. What is the responsibility of the schools?
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Change timings
The school timings in general are fine but children who travel to school from Sharjah have to wake up very early in the morning because of heavy traffic. These children come from school, eat their lunch, do their homework and play for about half an hour. They don't get time to spend with their families. I think that the schools should delay the timings in the morning by at least one hour.
From Ms Priyanka M. Ghaghda
Sharjah
Closed minds
People with very narrow or closed minds are against inter-racial marriages (Speak Your Mind, Gulf News February 9). My mixed marriage has lasted over 18 years without any major problems. I wonder how many all-white, all-brown marriages must have failed in that time. It would be ironic if the same people who shouted about alleged racism towards an Indian actress in Big Brother were at the same time strongly opposed to mixed marriages. Such opposition could also be construed as racism.
From Ms Claudia
Germany
Full name withheld by request
Give time
Relationships can work only if they are based on true and genuine feelings. The chemistry between two individuals is what keeps it going. It is better for couples who are into racially mixed relationships to give enough time before they form an eternal bond.
From Mr Vijay Rodrigues
UAE
Conflict
People of different races have to respect each other's culture and ways. I think that if they are of two different religions it may cause a conflict depending on how dedicated the person is to their faith or how their partner's religion is affecting their life or their children's lives.
From Ms Aqilah
US
Full name withheld by request
All about being faithful
I think it is all a matter of being faithful. The risk is high because of the different values, customs and traditions. I was married to an American but it didn't work out. I still believe that such marriages can work sometimes, although it is really difficult.
From Mr Mohammad
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Sacrifice is key
The influence of any one of the couples' cultures can play a major role in destroying the relationship. I do believe it takes compromise to make it work. However, I am more inclined to say that sacrifice is more likely to make a relationship succeed.
From Mr Bernard
Canada
Full name withheld by request
No boundaries
I am an African-American and my wife is German. We have been together for 16 years and have a wonderful life together. There is nothing to limit a successful relationship, be it race, culture or education.
From Mr Craig
Germany
Full name withheld by request
