I refer to your editorial Terror case epitomises a more global problem (July 8). The story of John Walker Lindh resembles the life of many others who are either forced or brainwashed into joining extremist groups without grasping the end results of their involvement. Like him, many might have been targeted to join networks extremists using social media. Even though Walker Lindh has now been released after several years in prison, he remains a concern to authorities unless he can start afresh. This is the core issue to stop many following their pathway for mere benefits. They should not be treated like other prisoners of their countries. We need them to realise they do not need to spoil their lives and those of others who depend on them. They must get proper psychological advice to redirect them into a normal life.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
Military rule has been highly problematic in Africa
I write in reference to your article US Africa envoy warns of 'spoilers' to Sudan peace process (July 9). Armed forces in many countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America are quick to pounce upon civilian governments with seemingly sincere motives but once entrenched in the corridors of power, refuse to leave, often resulting in civil war and domestic upheaval. In the end, the people lose out most from this wanton destruction.
Nazim Hasan Khan, India
The honesty of taxi drivers is laudable and inspiring
I write in reference to your article Found in a Dubai taxi: gold bars and Dh165,000 in cash (July 8). Since the flow of international tourists to Dubai has risen markedly, many more passengers leave their belongings in Dubai taxis, leaving conscientious drivers to hand over the articles to the authorities. This year more than 7,000 items have been found in Dubai taxis – an extraordinary number indeed. Of course, large amounts of cash and gold bars are an anomaly but this is a newsworthy manifestation of a larger trend. Taxi drivers are honest and many are rewarded as a result, which is laudable. Today, honesty has become a rare commodity and the honesty of these drivers is inspiring.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Medical research centre befits the legacy of Sheikh Zayed
I write in reference to your article UAE-funded medical research centre opens in London (July 9). This is truly excellent work in the name of the UAE Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who always acted with the fate of future generations in mind and did much to inspire and support the youth.
Name withheld by request
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Western Clubs Champions League:
- Friday, Sep 8 - Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Bahrain
- Friday, Sep 15 – Kandy v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Friday, Sep 22 – Kandy v Bahrain
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Brief scores:
Day 2
England: 277 & 19-0
West Indies: 154
Monday's results
- UAE beat Bahrain by 51 runs
- Qatar beat Maldives by 44 runs
- Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait by seven wickets
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
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