Mr. Shekhar Bhatia

Editor

Hindustan Times

New Delhi.

Dear Mr. Bhatia,

This refers to the list of world’s “Top 10 worst dictators at present” which appeared in your esteemed newspaper on 21.8.2006. I was surprised to see the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud being clubbed with the so-called worst dictators. The mention of King Abdullah, a leader of international standing and a known friend of India who was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations of India this year, in such a denigrating way was really shocking. I hope a respected newspaper like the Hindustan Times would avoid publishing such misleading reports specially when a report of this kind is directed against a world leader like King Abdullah.

Hoping that this rejoinder will find space in your esteemed newspaper.

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely,

Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi

Ambassador