Democracy must be developed from within

Mohamad Bazzi's opinion article Love the rhetoric, admire the oratory, where's the action? (January 20) criticised the failure of the US president, Barack Obama, to promote democracy in the Middle East. How long will the Arab people depend upon others to change their destiny? Bazzi has nothing new to say. Democracy is evolved, not imposed. It's the Arab masses, academics, social activists and politicians who should come together to remove authoritarian regimes and not presidents of the United States.

Iraq is still suffering from outside intervention to impose democracy. Unpopular regimes have to be uprooted from within by the process of elections. The worst dictators and despots suffered at the hands of people's movements as in Romania and Poland. Mr Obama was elected by the Americans to better their lot and not for reforms in distant lands. Syed Qamar Hasan, Abu Dhabi

This refers to your report Long wait for help at quake's epicentre (January 20). It is quite pathetic that those who survived the tragic calamity have yet to receive aid for their basic needs, despite having massive pledges from nations around the globe as well as the UN and aid organisations. While we realise the practical problems faced by aid workers and rescue teams, we must pay extra care and attention towards women and children.

The shocking pictures make us realise the gravity of the situation. Each of us should be committed to extend their support to aid organisations in this part of the world who co-ordinate and provide humanitarian assistance to the Haitians. The US's immediate relief efforts are commendable and people from all over the world too are joining their hands together to take part in the rehabilitation efforts. The US president, Barack Obama, described the US involvement as one of the largest relief efforts in the history of the United States, with support from former presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton.

It is the worst natural disaster the world has seen since the tsunami that hit Asian countries a few years ago and killed thousands.  Haiti has a history of continuing unrest due to political reasons. It's the right time for people to forget all their differences and unite for a quick recovery and rebuild the nation with a collective effort.  Ramachandran Nair, Oman

With reference to the article UAE counter-terrorism efforts praised by experts (January 12), the authorities in the UAE need to be commended for their proactive approach in anticipating and preventing terrorist incidents. However I was dismayed to read that training negotiators for hostage situations is being contemplated. In my humble opinion it does not pay to negotiate with terrorists. In fact it only encourages future terrorist acts. A zero tolerance approach is needed to stamp out terrorism in all its forms.

I note with much satisfaction that the underpants bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had briefly studied at a university in Dubai but maintained a low profile while he was in the UAE, perhaps because he could see that the security apparatus was highly vigilant. There is no justification or excuse for terrorism anywhere. The harming or killing of innocents is not acceptable no matter how severe the grievance. It is important not to give any quarter to terrorists and to stamp out this menace from the face of the earth. Akash Sagar, Abu Dhabi

In reference to the article Abu Dhabi steps into the fight cage (January 13), I wonder if buying into the Ultimate Fighting Championship is what the UAE should shout about. Of all sport, the UFC encourages bad behaviour and general disregard for others. When I was at school, children used to emulate wrestlers and adopted their bad manners. I am not convinced this is what the UAE's young growing population needs. Dawud Burns, UK

Bringing the UFC here will open new opportunities to start mixed martial arts clubs. This will be an outlet for the excess energy youngsters have and will teach them discipline and self-control. Martial arts is exactly what the UAE's young growing population needs. WW, Abu Dhabi

In reference to the article Human trafficking gang sentenced to life (January 19), I don't think the sentences are too harsh at all. These people obviously have no value for a woman's life and I don't think they would change after a few years in prison. So life is what they deserve. Well done, UAE, for taking a stand against this awful crime. Sinead Ni Eochaih, Dubai