Zuckerberg's appearance before the Senate was presidential

I refer to your article Zuckerberg survives unscathed as two days of Facebook hearings end (April 12): Facebook blundered in allowing its data to be mined and misused by Cambridge Analytica. However, the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, showed remarkable maturity, courage and leadership at the age of 33 in his handling of the US Senate hearing. His admission of responsibility ("It was my mistake and I'm sorry. I started Facebook, I run it and I'm responsible for what happens here") was a rare example of personal and corporate responsibility.

Very few leaders in the corporate world or governments globally have the courage to take personal ownership of their mistakes or of their institutions. Leaders are quick to seize credit for success but slither away in times of distress. I salute Mr Zuckerberg.

When John F Kennedy started his presidential campaign decades ago, he was asked what he would do if elected. He replied: “I hope to be responsible.” Mr Zuckerberg has also been a responsible corporate leader. I would not be surprised if he makes a bid for the US presidency sometime in the future.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

India must enact swift justice in abuse and sexual assault cases

I refer to your article Indians shocked by two child rape cases (April 13). It was sad and painful to read. Such cases have increased in India in the recent months. The recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old child in Jammu and Kashmir by a gang is unacceptable. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, a girl was allegedly raped nine months ago, a case which has led to the ongoing investigation into a member of the ruling BJP party.

There is much talk in India about the empowerment of women. Incidents such as these are despicable and set back such talk. The government must legislate to speed up the legal process in such cases and no one should be spared from being brought to justice.

K Ragavan, Bangalore

Great teachers have an impact for a lifetime

I refer to your article UAE Portrait of a Nation: teacher recalls fond memories of 1970s Abu Dhabi (April 12): Saeed Al Tareefi, the teacher featured in the piece, is my grandpa and I want to state how I proud I am of him.

Laura Afana, Ajman

I am proud of Mr Al Tareefi. A million thanks to the best boss in the world. I would like to thank him for giving us words of encouragement and full support, even when it was not related to our work. He is amazing.

Eman Abdallah, Dubai

Bashar Al Assad should face a war crimes trial

In reference to your article Emmanuel Macron: we have proof Syria used chemical weapons (April 12), Bashar Al Assad is a war criminal. Using chemical weapons against innocent civilians must at least result in him being dragged before the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Abdullah Aljarrah, Dubai