From the editors: Big cruise liners may soon return to Dubai

PROGRAMME TO REFORM PRISONERS: Every human being has a fundamental right to live a healthy, normal life. This adage applies to prisoners as well. The issue remains of the process to integrate them back to society. Sharjah Museum Authority’s initiative to launch displays at the emirate’s correctional facilities deserves praise in this regard. The displays will help the inmates learn more about history and culture about the region and Islamic civilisation. Such lessons will help them prepare for life after their term ends. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

MILITIA CHALLENGE TO IRAQI STATE MUST BE SQUASHED: Another day, another rocket. Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone came under attack from pro-Iran Shiite militias that have become a law unto themselves, even as Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi is doing more than his predecessors to try to bring them under the control of the central government. The attacks surged after Al Kadhimi travelled to the US last month to conclude strategic talks. Importantly, this issue is not about American interests or other international entities in the Green Zone. It is about the Iraqi state, and the challenge posed to it by non-state actors. This challenge must be squashed. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

RICH COUNTRIES RUSH FOR COVID-19 VACCINE: A new study has showed that a group of wealthy countries representing just 13 per cent of the world population has already secured a giant share of COVID-19 vaccine doses. There have been warnings from world leaders that ‘vaccine nationalism’ could put lives at risk and deprive the most vulnerable in poor nations.It is understandable that countries whose economies have been hit hard would want to get moving quickly. But what about the developing countries that cannot pay large amounts for the vaccine? As European Union chief Ursula von der said: None of us will be safe until all of us are safe. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

DUBAI’S SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE: Those big cruise liners can soon return to Dubai. Having set an end October opening schedule for its Mina Rashid cruise terminal, Dubai has finally reassembled all of its transport and hospitality components. There’s much to appreciate in Dubai’s go-for-it approach in reviving sectors that had been severely undermined by the pandemic. Get on with the business approach shows intent, reassures businesses and all other stakeholders, and comes with the Government’s full support behind it. And the cruise is big business for Dubai, pulling in nearly half-a-million visitors a year until COVID-19 struck. It will be difficult to immediately match those numbers – the cruise industry after runs on the feel-good factor. But opening up sends out a strong message – and often the messaging is just as important. Dubai’s certainly is sending the right signals. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

With the IPL starting in the UAE this weekend, one man to watch isn’t even in the country yet. Australia’s Glenn Maxwell smashed a match-winning century to help the tourists seal an ODI series win over England on Wednesday. Maxwell consolidated his sparkling form as Australia, chasing a target of 303, were 73-5 when Maxwell came to the crease. But a record sixth-wicket stand of 212 between Alex Carey (106) and Maxwell (108) helped give the tourists a 2-1 series success. Now the England and Australia contingent head to the UAE, and Kings XI Punjab will be looking to profit from Maxwell’s great form with the bat. {COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

Veteran actress and politician Jaya Bachchan has been given extra security from the government following her heated speech in Parliament denouncing the vilification of Bollywood by insiders. Recently, actress Kangana Ranaut was also given Y category security from the government after facing harassment for some of her comments. While threats to people’s lives should be taken seriously, some Indians have questioned why celebrities are getting state-funded protection when these wealthy stars are more than able to pay for their own safety measures. It also begs to question if every celebrity who draws the ire of the public will get their own government security detail. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]