This weekend President Obama had something to celebrate: The US Supreme Court endorsed key provisions in the health reform law.
The new law is a ray of hope for millions of uninsured Americans who will now be able to access the health protection through affordable insurance choices. One important feature of the law is to prevent the insurance companies to refuse coverage of people with pre-existing conditions. Obama can take pride on fulfilling of one of his agenda from the previous election campaign.
Again it’s election year in the US. Time to tick the completed promises. Yes, health reform bill is done. But what about the foreign policy related vows made by Obama, such as closing of Guantanamo Bay prison? Peace remains an elusive commodity in Middle East. The situation on Af-Pak border is going back to what it used to be in 90s or may be worst. The US’ retreat in Iraq retreat was a result of redefining the success factor. Otherwise, that mess would had been continued. Elimination of OBL could be a jewel in the crown but this unilateral action strained relations with Pakistan. It still needs to be repaired.
But let’s forget all this. Americans vote and elect their leaders on domestic issues. Obama can make new vows for a stable and peaceful world next March. — Masood Khan, Jubail
Driving licenses
I applied for driving license at Dalla Tukhsussy in Riyadh. They have taken a driving level test and given 30-day training classes. I accepted it because I don’t have Indian driving license to show them. But I found that many of my colleagues are good drivers and have valid Indian driving license were also given 30-day lesson. The problem in the driving schools is that all the trainers are Egyptian or Yemeni and they speak only Arabic. Non-Arabic speaking, especially newcomers, face problems because they speak only English and can’t understand their instructors. Also, some instructors are very rude to the trainees, shouting at them for any small mistake. — Ahsan Ahmad Khan, Riyadh
No news on Euro Cup final
What is the concept/idea behind not publishing a single word about the Euro Cup final held on July 1 in the July 2 edition. Please explain. — Prosanto Kumar, Jeddah
Editor’s Note: Deadlines prevented the Arab News from publishing the results of the Euro Cup the next day. However, we posted the results almost immediately on our online edition.
Pepsi, Coke sinful
This refers to the report «Alleged alcohol content in cola drinks probed» (July 3). The report is really alarming. Islam vehemently forbids any kind of intoxication, especially alcohol. So, for the sake of emancipation from the hell fire and salvation in Hereafter, Muslims should avoid such types of products. May Allah bestow on us right path (may it be so). Many people may argue that if alcohol is really present in Coke and Pepsi that it apparently comes from Vanilla extract and shows up at around 0.001 percent, and that does not make it wine. They may further argue that wine is between 9 percent and 16 percent alcohol. They may also say that if you drink enough Pepsi or Coke to try and feel any effect at all from the alcohol, you will slip into a diabetic coma first. I think all these sorts of arguments are futile as the matter is concerning with faith and pity.
Whether quantity is minuscule or large it does not have any relation with the consuming, as the matter is related with internal faith, hence consuming a drop of alcohol or full of bottle will be considered as sin as the person will violate the basic teaching of Islam. And who knows a person tastes a drop of alcohol today, and he may go on drinking multiple bottles of alcohol in future and that may lead to him utter destruction. So, it is always advisable not to embrace vice at all, even it may have slight effect. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
Muslim tourists in the UK
RE: Saudis visiting UK told to be cautious (July 4). In my many visits to England, my wife and I have had few problems with the local citizens. On the whole they have been very friendly and helpful. But I agree that Saudis and any Muslim visiting England should take care and be aware of their surroundings. There are many stories of Muslim women being attacked because they wear the hijab, or discrimination against Muslim men. In Birmingham last year during the riots, Muslim men were killed protecting their store. This should not reflect on the entire British population, but we live in a time where Muslims are viewed suspiciously in non-Muslim countries. Please be alert to the people surrounding us and the neighborhoods we visit. — Irfan Khan, Mumbai