As far as Syrian crisis is concerned, the five permanent members of the United Nations have a consensus on one thing, that’s killing. It’s a pity to see under watchful eye of the UN, innocent lives are being lost in Syria. Fine, Russia and China have vetoed the resolutions calling for ouster of the Assad regime by forceful intervention. In order to save face, now there seems to be an unwritten agreement among the permanent members — to go in for the kill. Let the best army win. This reminds me of movie Gladiator being played out to the world audience. Had this war been happening near to the West, would the response from the UN have been the same. Is life cheaper in this part of the world? The war in Syria is not going on as planned. Suddenly we have the Weapons of Mass destruction (WMD), chemical weapon stockpiles raising its ugly head in the Syrian conflict. It’s a surprise how come this is being discussed now. These weapons were not built by Syria, they were supplied to it by few permanent members of the UN. — Bhaskara Sujeet Kumar, by e-mail
Switching sides
This is in reference to the column by Faoruk Luqman on Najma Heptullah. It is a fact that Heptullah was a prominent member of the Congress party. She is intelligent, knowledgeable and scholarly but it is difficult to say and believe that she was a good public servant as written by Luqman in his article (July 27). She has never been in direct contact with public and was always nominated to the upper house of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra for four terms at 1980, 1986, 1992, 1998 as a Congress candidate. She never contested the Lok Sabha eelctions to the best of my knowledge. This talented lady has actually spoiled her political career by disassociating herself from the Congress party at a very crucial time when the party was in immense need of such talented leaders. Expecting that the BJP would come to power and the Congress was going to lose the general elections, Heptullah joined the BJP in 2004, accusing the party and the leadershio of insulting her. But all her assumptions went into vain and the Congress party won and came to power in 2004 general elections. She lost her reputation by this unwise decision to join the anti-Muslim communal party, the BJP. Especially in Muslim circles she lost her credibility. She is the loser, not the Congress party. Heptullah could have achieved top and higher positions if she would not have quit the Congress party. All the dilemma is made by herself. — Zakaria Sultan, Riyadh
Itaam: A good move
As I read Arab News, first thing in the morning, I felt good to read the report on the first Saudi Food bank “Itaam” started by Al Fozan Social Foundation. It was heartening to note that what I have been pondering and suggesting is already a reality. These noble efforts are timely and truly commendable. Though, the figure of 4 million meals being wasted every day may seem too high at a first glance, yet given the large number of parties, functions and the invariable absence of half of the invitees, this may be sadly true. I am glad that the pioneering effort by the Egyptian Food Bank is catching the attention of others in the region and I hope that “Itaam” will influence many other organizations and individuals in the Kingdom and other countries to start similar food banks. As these organizations can make arrangements with the hotels, restaurants and banquet halls to collect the food that remains untouched after the parties, there is a need to publicize the existence and functioning of these groups so that they could be called by individuals to take away the left overs in a hygienic way after the parties at their residences. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games being held this year in London are the greatest sporting events in the world, drawing athletes from the myriad nations of the world to one city. The games are an important school to educate participants and spectators of important values, including self-sacrifice and respect for one’s adversaries. They provide an opportunity to overcome the logic of individualism and selfishness, which often characterize human relations, in order to make room for the logic of brotherhood and love, the only things that can lead to promoting the common good on every level. The games have important symbolic value, and for that reason they should be looked upon with special fondness and attention. — Paul Kokoski, Ontario, Canada.
