Letters to the Editor [Archives:2002/26/Letters to the Editor]
Why are we backward?
I am an immigrant who has seen Yemen only twice in my entire life. I really felt sad that we are in the 21st century and yet Yemen does not yet have a supermarket or even good clean grocery shops where people could buy their daily needs. The people around us are way ahead and we are just where we are. Some even calls us the failures.
Answer me why are we backward, where did we go wrong?
Shifa Al-Hashimi
[email protected]
A Canadian defending Islam
I have just read your Yemen Times on-line edition, and since I have worked in your country (IFES, elections), I have some familiarity with your people and their generous hospitality.
Recently, our large daily paper (Edmonton Journal) printed a letter to the editor from me. I feel strongly that Muslims leaders, worldwide, are misjudged because we in the West simply dismiss them, and fail to take the time to understand them, or their Islam faith.
For the last 4 weeks in my Christian church, we have looked at Islam; had University Religion professors speak to us; had Muslim representatives come to talk with us, and then we had a tour of the largest mosque here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I took it upon myself to arrange these information centers, so that we, as Christians, can be the first to stand up for fellow believers…the Muslims.
This all came about because I have had the honor and privilege of working with Muslims in several countries, Yemen included.
Gladys Teske
Canada
[email protected]
Why Muslims are not united?
There are over one million Indian troops waiting to destroy Pakistan and Hindus have killed thousands of Muslims in Gujrat, but for some reason it does not seem important to Muslims in the Arab world, at least so it seems from your newspaper. I bet there are lots of Hindu Indians working in the Middle East and none of them have been fired over the current situation that Pakistan is facing in Kashmir. This is wrong and if you Middle Eastern muslims think that India is their friend then you are wrong. India is Israels friend and Israel is attacking Muslims in Palestine and India is trying to crush the only Nuclear Muslim nation.
I hope your newspaper will address this issue and report muslim problems in other regions with the same urgency that it reports problems in the Middle East. Do this so that muslims all around the world feel a part of the same Islamic community and feel as isolated as Muslims in Pakistan are feeling right now. I hope you will make events in Pakistan and the fate of Muslims in India an important part of your news reporting.
Mohammed I.
[email protected]
Yemeni youth need attention
Thank you very much. You have poured medicine on the wound in your editorial of the issue no 21 on 20 May 2002. You have indeed struck the nail on the head. I hope that the people concerned will take this opinion into consideration. It is now the time for our elders, fathers, grandfathers and teachers to take a brave step on behalf of Yemen. We call on them to give the talented, qualified new generations a chance to display their great potential and serve Yemen. There are many talents discouraged. Why dont Yemeni youth get any credibility? Yemenis sometimes excel many imported foreigners. In addition many of those foreigners who compete successfully with Yemeni youths are not well educated. However, unfortunately, these people usurp the best jobs and opportunities from equally qualified Yemenis. Instead of assisting the many creative young people of Yemen; and helping them attempt to inspire and create their own civilization, they are neglected by their elders. Yemens youth are very ambitious. But so soon their ambition changes to despair. This is because they are shocked when they find all doors closed. I call upon all honorable Yemenis to think of this: If you do not have the courage to trust the young people of Yemen and give us a chance to stand up and build the Yemen of the future then who will?
Abdulwahab a.Qawi sofi
[email protected]
A salute to the Governor of Sanaa
The level of cleanliness in the capital city is conspicuous and impressive. Driving in the city center or even on the outskirts, a sense of relief is felt as one sees beautiful plants along the streets in place of the former litter.
The capital is becoming environmentally friendly, I am proud to admit and I bet nobody can deny the fact that the governor is to be accredited for this.
The days when garbage collection was under the Municipality, the beauty of our city was abused in all respects. The task of garbage collection was poorly done if done at all. It was quite annoying to observe disposed colorful plastic bags scattered on practically every inch of the ground and at times devil winds would not let the plastic bags settle and the air would be filled with tiny parachutes.
Surely, we should salute the tireless efforts of Mr. Kuhlani governor of Sanaa for taking up the challenge along with his team to attain this wonderful result. This institution deserves all respect and support and I sincerely hope other governorates would do the same.
Ali Yousef Sharif
Sanaa. Yemen.
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