Norwegian judgment hailed
A Norwegian court has found the mass murderer, Anders Behring Breivik, is sane and sentenced him to 21 years in jail. Breivik insisted he was sane and refused to plead guilty, seeking to justify his attacks by saying they were necessary to stop the “Islamization” of Norway. From the very beginning of the case, prosecutors had called for him to be considered insane. This was in fact just a face saving attempt to show the world that it is a mad man behind the killings. We are glad that he was convicted of “terrorism” and premeditated murder charges and given the maximum sentence of 21 years in prison. Norway enjoys the second highest GDP per capita and fourth highest GDP (PPP) per capita in the world. Today, Norway is ranked as the second wealthiest country in the world in monetary value. The 2012 survey showed that 86.2 percent of the five million population is made up of original Norwegians and 13.8 percent are immigrants — second generation and born in Norway. Of these 51 percent have Western background —North America, Europe and Australia, and the other 49 percent of the immigrants — totaling 325,000 — are from Turkey, Morocco, Iraq, Somalia, Pakistan and Iran. They represent a mere six percent of the total Norwegian population, from whom Breivik feared an “Islamization” of his country! The five judges were unanimous in their ruling that Breivik was sane and their judgment is being hailed by a very large majority of the followers of this case. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Syrian imbroglio
With the Syrian civil war entering its 17th month and casualties numbering more than 17,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands made homeless, the latest offer by Syrian authorities for a negotiated settlement that would oversee President Bashar Assad step down for a participatory election caused some stir and disbelief. That was more than evident in the US reaction to the statement made by Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil while in Moscow for talks.
The conflict has been disastrous in terms of human suffering. With tens of thousands citizens fleeing to neighboring countries and an increasingly isolated regime bombarding densely populated parts of the capital city, the latest offer appears to be a desperate bid to preserve the brutal regime in the country. Unlike the Libyan scenario where the great powers came together for a decisive intervention, Russia and China, the two permanent representatives of the UN Security Council have deterred every attempt for an intervention in the country. Both China and Russia remain adamant that there is no forcible “regime change” in Syria by US and allies. Russia continues to view the Assad regime as a staunch ally which has allowed its navy to have its only foreign naval base and is a major procurer of Russian arms.
The latest diplomatic move comes in the backdrop of US President Barack Obama’s statement on Aug. 20 that there would be serious repercussions should Syria deploy its chemical weapons arsenal. Such a strongly worded statement is viewed by China and Russia as a prelude to outright military intervention to oust the Assad regime. Given the fact that both the government and opposition are locked in a battle to the finish and where regional geopolitical considerations have involved the world›s great powers, there is little to indicate that a military solution can be found readily. Hence, a negotiated political settlement involving all UN permanent representatives appears to be the best bet for this enduring disaster and the Syrian proposal may not be rejected offhand. — Naser Mullah, Riyadh
Makkah-Madinah train service
This refers to the report “Makkah-Madinah train set to roll by January 2014” (Aug. 24). It is really heartening to read that trains will be plying between Makkah and Madinah. The train service would be quite helpful for pilgrims coming for Haj and Umrah. It will be a boon for all those who travel between these holy cities for the purpose of trade and personal visits. I think Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry deserve commendation for his outstanding work. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
Sponsor system
This is regarding the story “Sponsor system presents problems for expat youths aged over 20 years.” This is very disturbing and causing among all parents who have their children studying in various universities, be it in their home country or other foreign countries. I just cannot understand how can one be denied renewal of visa if his parents are still working in the Kingdom? This sounds illogical. I request the authorities to reconsider their decision and raise the age limit to 25 years as was the case earlier. I sincerely urge the authorities to kindly consider this request and help the helpless parents who are going through this anxiety every year when renewal of their iqama is due. A change will definitely relieve all the parents who have their children studying outside the Kingdom and come to spend their vacation in the blessed country. — Shakeel Ansari, by e-mail
Letters: Norwegian judgment hailed
