Arab world relying on Pakistan

Refer to ‘A whiff of the Islamic bomb’; Israel, the only nuclear state in West Asia, is on a rampage against its perceived enemies. The Arab world is understandably alarmed at the successes of Israel, even though diplomatic relations between Israel and some Arab countries have largely withstood volatility in the region. The Arabs need a kind of nuclear-armed security provider which they have found in Pakistan, a non-Arab nation which is gladly willing to be looked upon as the protector when it comes to nuclear deterrence. Interestingly, the West could not prevent Pakistan from going nuclear while it became furious when Iran acquired nuclear assets.

GS Anand, Panchkula

Uncertainty marks career growth

Refer to ‘Who can afford the $1,00,000 US dream now’; the exceptionally high H-1B visa fee marks a turning point in the narrative of the American dream. What was once a path to growth, opportunity and innovation is now overshadowed by financial barriers and uncertainty. While the US aims to shield its domestic workforce, it may inadvertently push global talent toward other friendlier shores. For India, the challenge is twofold: safeguarding its diaspora abroad while building robust opportunities at home. Ultimately, the dream of America as a land of limitless opportunity is fading.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Limiting dreams of the youth

The claim of former NITI Aayog chairman Amitabh Kant regarding the H-1B visa fee hike that America’s loss will be India’s gain reminds me of a Punjabi proverb ‘besharam dee dul gayee daal, kehnde assi taan dol dol hee khande haan’ (the shameless man always puts on a brave face). He appears blind to the dreams of the young who dare to dream to fly in the unending sky. Could NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla have touched the stars had she stayed back in India? Our aim should be to build systems that foster talent, innovation and mutual growth in an increasingly interconnected world, without building walls.

KK Garg, Chandigarh

Disharmony in sports

Apropos of ‘India-Pak cricket, no longer allowed its innocence’; matches between these two neighbours are mostly accompanied by verbal fireworks. The rivalry outside the field has the probability of creeping inside. There are enough precedents in different games where players have taken stance against injustice. India did not play cricket with South Africa till the apartheid regime was abolished. After the Russian-Ukraine war started, no player shook hands with any Russian or Belarusian at the Wimbledon and French Open despite Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka winning Grand slams.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

Pak team must focus on game

Refer to ‘India-Pak cricket, no longer allowed its innocence’; the gun and the falling aircraft gestures are acts of insensitivity on the part of Pakistan players. Pakistan has played two matches in the Asia Cup and lost badly to India. On the one hand, the Pakistan team is displaying hostile actions and on the other hand, it is complaining to the ICC that Indian players did not shake hands with them. The Pakistan team should improve their level of performance instead of making cheap and offensive gestures.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Canada must act firmly

Refer to ‘India-Canada reset’; for too long, the large and vibrant Indian diaspora in Canada — truck drivers who keep supply chains running, students who enrich Canadian campuses and singers who globalise Punjabi music — has been caught in the crossfire of divisive politics. The shadow of tragedies like the Kanishka bombing remind us how extremist networks have exploited our good links with the Maple Country to spread fear and mistrust. A genuine reset must ensure that such painful memories are not repeated. By acting firmly against those who foment terror in the guise of free speech, Canada can reassure Indians that bilateral ties will be anchored not only in economics and education, but also in shared values of peace and democracy.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak