Letters: In Brief

Sir: Reports tell us that Cambridgeshire social services oppose the Bramleys' adoption plans because they are "strict", saying "no" too often. If this is really the only reason, then the majority of adults would support the Bramleys' case. At least there would be two more well- mannered and self-disciplined children not tearing round supermarkets and generally making a nuisance of themselves in public places and at school.

PAMELA WARD

Huddersfield

Sir: Heon Stevenson's letter (15 January) implies that the "right to work" is conditional on both the sex of the worker and their partner's income. The middle-class women he despises are equal citizens, and should not be penalised for accepting the jobs to which their education and talents entitle them. Without their gifts the country would be the poorer. Our high divorce rate makes it extremely foolish for any person to rely on a partner's income. Why should he expect women to take the risk?

Ms S A SALIMI

London W10

Sir: Akbar Ahmed (Podium, 13 January) says Islam's critics "cite terrorist outrages and isolated infringements of human rights while ignoring the extraordinary achievements of Muslim civilisations". Is it possible to ignore such all too well known phenomena as the barbaric religious tyranny of Saudi Arabia? With the possible exceptions of Turkey and Lebanon, genuine democracy is unknown in the world of Islam. Let the Islamic societies learn to be self-critical like the societies of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and "Islamophobia" will become a thing of the past. Has Mr Ahmed ever heard of Buddhophobia?

RAVI KUMAR

Southall, Middlesex

Sir: You report (15 January) that "Britain `is turning out too many graduates' ". Is this the official end of education for its own sake?

DERMOT COLEMAN

Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex