Readers' corner

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Hypocrisy unlimited

Sir-- Your article 'Some subtlety please' (8-14 May) in response to the farcical competition of the chief editors of the national newspapers to celebrate the 80th birthday of the president, was a professional and just in time, dutiful advice from within.

The sycophant penned saga of hypocrisy in recalling history and bragging of real and hopeful achievements has exceeded all sensible limits and is a daring neglect of many unfavourable and disturbing facts, acknowledged even by the celebrated leader.

You are absolutely right when you advised the respected journalists that readers, taxpayers and may be all Egyptians do not need this race, and should remember that "hopeful tenured chiefs" are accountable to the reader and the ethics of the profession.

Mustafa Wali
Cairo
Egypt

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Pen power

Sir-- Mona Anis's "The death of grand poetry?" (8-14 May) was a fascinating read. Talk at the recent London book fair suggested there is little depth to Arabic literature, but I see that there is a rich tradition of poetry which Westerners would be well advised to explore. Where there is little room for overt political dissent, as has been the case in the Arab world, poetry demonstrates the power of the pen, very much like in the Soviet Union. The Russians and Arabs -- whether from historical necessity or from some innate national trait -- have a depth of passion that Westerns can only envy.

Jonathan Brady
Liverpool
UK

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Cough, cough!

Sir-- As a recent arrival in Cairo, I am still trying to come to grips with the madness on the roads. In 'Forward momentum' (8- 14 May), Reem Leila reported on the new traffic draft law which intends to prohibit taxis more than 20 years old. While I sympathise with the plight of many poor Cairenes who resurrect ancient machines and try to make a living by cruising the roads in search of passengers, I can only hope that the law is passed and soon. The insane number of taxis darting here and there, constantly honking and/or speeding dangerously from lane to lane is both irritating and terrifying. If the other controversial draft clause -- to ban truck trailers -- would mean ridding the many small back lanes of huge, threatening Coca Cola trucks, with their blasting horns, I would approve whole-heartedly. These trucks are owned by large companies, so banning them would not hurt the little guy.

As for the general chaos, noise and pollution, there must be a concerted effort by the government to prevent the incessant honking and ban vehicles belching toxic exhaust fumes. There is no question that this causes irreparable damage to the ears and lungs of Cairenes, resulting in huge health costs and permanently damaging people's well-being. Enough!

Edward Johnson
Cairo
Egypt

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Beleaguered Georgia

Sir-- A stimulating piece about Georgia ('The mouse that roared' 8-14 May). The Georgia-Europe connection is debatable. European is more an existential association, but it helps in your argument regarding NATO vs Russia, so I understand its place. An important fact to note is that Georgia is simply being used for the possible gas pipeline planned to run through it. Unfortunately, the West rarely learns from its mistakes, so even if this pipeline is built to bypass Russia, the administration in Georgia will change, and so will the pretext of the pipeline. As such, Europe will once again rely on Russia for its gas.

Another important fact to note is that Georgians in general are pro-Russian. Saakashvili is in the minority when attacking Russia publicly, which is one of the primary reasons he is dragging so in the polls. I know a large number of Georgian businessmen, all of whom understand the importance of Russia and are outraged at Saakashvili's attitude. As you noted, Georgia needs to make friends with its neighbours, especially Russia.

The two breakaway regions are simply further proof of NATO, but more so US, hypocrisy. Kosovo was welcomed with open arms, but Abkhazia and South Ossetia aren't good enough. The same can be said of Moldova's Transnestria and countless other regions. It can be argued that all these regions are pro-Russian, which the West doesn't want, but there are many other breakaway regions that aren't accepted as well. Georgia is being used by the USA-NATO group. They know this so they are trying to get as much out of this arrangement as possible. More specifically, they would like the return of their two regions.

Zhann
Moscow
Russia