I write in reference to your article Iran says it shot down Ukrainian plane 'unintentionally' (January 11): this is indeed horrendous news. It is the price of war that innocent citizens pay. Who will console the relatives of the 176 people whose lives were snuffed out in the air crash? They became the helpless, innocent victims of an armed conflict.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
With regard to the National Editorial Iran must hand over black box data to Boeing (January 9): US-Iran tensions brewing and political leaders exchanging heated rhetoric, 176 innocent lives aboard PS752 were lost.
The politicisation of this tragedy comes across as a blatant attempt to keep people from seeking the truth about what really went down and it only agonises the kin. This incident is a grim reminder that innocents will bear brunt of political tensions. Let us all learn to peacefully coexist with one another. The hope of one day waking up to a world devoid of violence and bloodshed seems wishful but let’s do our part in making the world a better place by spreading love and not hate. No words can express the sorrow I feel for the lives lost. Sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved.
Syeda Amena, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Sultan Qaboos was a great leader and he will be hard to replace
With reference to the report Sultan Qaboos of Oman dies aged 79 (January 11): Oman loses a great man. No one can replace him.
Luci Florian, Abu Dhabi
He laid a firm foundation for embracing the future in a positive way.
Polly Palmer, Sharjah
God bless his successor, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
Binu George, Muscat
There is no justification for violence on college campuses
In reagrd to Taniya Dutta's article Attack on New Delhi university campus triggers outrage (January 6): it is disturbing to read about masked individuals harming students. The students' union is blaming the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and this is not the first time. Violence cannot be justified and certainly not inside an educational institution.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
