Palme a Cold War victim?

Dear Sir,

Thirty years ago, on Feb 28, 1986, at 11.21pm, Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was fatally shot while walking in Stockholm. The Cold War was in full swing, arms deal was in transaction and Sweden as a neutral country was infested with spies and secret service operatives from every corner of the globe.
Palme was on the global political radar screen. He was a fascinating politician, an aristocrat, a deeply committed socialist, whose policies raised alarm in world capitals.
His killer has never been found. The murder weapon has never been recovered, after 30 years of investigations. Palme was a victim of the Cold War. In the corridors of power, he was earmarked for elimination. The sophistication of the operation, and the cover up that ensued , ensured that the truth will never be revealed. The trail is cold, many of his friends were also eliminated in  years gone by.
His brutal death and that of JFK will continue to haunt the world for decades. As with many assassinated leaders, his legacy is perhaps unfairly overshadowed by the memory of his violent death.

Farouk Araie/Farouk.araie@telkomsa.net

Hopes rise for young women

Dear Sir,

This is in response to the article, ‘The future of tolerance, happiness and youth’ (Gulf Times, February 27). The appointment of a young female as the Minister of Youth in the UAE is not surprising given that a young minister alone can comprehend the problems and needs of the youth, who ought to grow with practising tolerance.
Though  the UAE is synonymous with tolerance towards its expatriates as well, it cannot be taken for granted invariably. Considering the growing intolerance in some nations, a tolerant, young minister can set herself as an example for the present and future generation that will get to know the importance which the government gives to the youth, some of whom will be the future leaders who too are also expected to be tolerant.
As a result, happiness will continue to be prevalent among all sections of people living in the UAE. The women there can take pride in having a woman for the covetous portfolio and young women can hope for better roles which they can play in the years to come.

C Robinson,robin_son_ch@yahoo.co.in

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