All about Sharon

IT is not true, as Ashok Malik claims, that ‘‘Israel’s Muslims (or Christians for that matter) are equal citizens, serve in the army, find place in Parliament.’’ Only a very small portion of Israel’s Muslims, the Druze community, serve in the army.

As serving in the army is a prerequisite for numerous job opportunities and social benefits, the remaining bulk of the Muslim community is severely discriminated against. This is not to mention, of course, the restrictions on owning land for Arab citizens of Israel or the vast disparity in the way in which justice is administered to them. — Ashraf Fahim On e-mail

ARIEL SHARON’S visit to India is indeed a very encouraging sign and it will introduce a new era in Indo-Israeli relations. India can benefit from training and tips from Israel’s formidable intelligence and security agencies. — S.P. Sharma Mumbai

Direct democracy
I WISH Sam Pitroda had recommended democracy within the Congress party (‘You need to play it again, Sam’, IE, September 7). The Election Commission should supervise primary membership of the party and candidates should be chosen by the people, not by party bosses. — Om PrakashOn e-mail

Back to the UN
IT seems that the Bush administration has finally come closer to accepting a role for the United Nations in Iraq. Obviously the increasing toll that the occupation is taking cannot be explained back home. Moreover, the war hysteria that was ratcheted up by the neo-conservative cabal cannot be sustained for very long.

The United States may also be suffering from fatigue due to imperial overstretch. With its armies placed on the ready in more than a hundred countries, and combat going on in at least three countries (Iraq, Afghanistan, Liberia), frustration is understandable.

It may not be long before the US decides to work under proper UN auspices and even accepts an ‘‘equal’’ role for itself. Till then governments from which the US has sought help to ‘‘stabilise’’ Iraq should hold back. — Mohamad Junaid Aligarh

Order disorder
IT is laughable to hear that Shiv Sunder Das is in contention for the Test team (‘Skipper opens the door for Ramesh, long queue behind’, IE, September 7). He does not deserve a spot. His only achievement is a better record than Sachin Tendulkar against stronger teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe!

A better batting option would be Virender Sehwag and V.V.S. Laxman as the opening pair, followed by Rahul Dravid, Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly (as skipper), Parthiv Patel, four bowlers and fifth bowler or Yuvraj Singh/Mohammed Kaif. — Tejas Brahmbahtt, On e-mail