From the Editors: Diana’s interview that changed everything

Diana’s interview that changed everything: Even as respected British broadcaster BBC stands in the eye of the storm facing questions about its integrity following a scathing report on its 1995 interview with Princess Diana, one cannot deny the fact that it was the very sit-down that drove the final nail in the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The spotlight currently sits on disgraced journalist Martin Bashir who used “deceitful behavior” to secure the interview and the corporation obscured this misconduct for 25 years according to the report. Yet it doesn’t change the fact that it was Diana who went on record to say that she found out in 1986 — five years after her marriage — that Prince Charles had renewed his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. The world sat riveted when Diana said: “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” If you look at it objectively, there’s plenty of blame to go around. But it doesn’t change the fact that exploiting someone’s vulnerability is never okay. Even if you are a public figure. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]

Nurses stranded with fake job offers ought to have exercised more caution: It is indeed heartening to note how several health-care groups in the UAE have come forward in the aid of all those nurses who are stranded in the UAE after having fallen victim to fake job offers from unscrupulous handlers and recruitment agencies in India. At a time when the health-care sector all around the globe is stretched to its limits in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was one unwanted and unfortunate predicament that has caught many nursing professionals on the wrong foot. Authorities in both UAE and India have time and again cautioned job-seekers to check the authenticity of recruitment agents before handing them money and sensitive documents. The issue of these stranded nurses yet again highlights the need for such caution. Image used for illustrative purposes. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

Truce couldn’t have come a minute too soon for Gaza: As the dust begins to settle in Gaza, the true scale of the horror visited upon the tiny, jam-packed strip is starting to emerge. Long-suffering Palestinians in Gaza must now contend with broken lives, and broken homes. More than 235 have been killed in Israel’s aerial bombardment, including 63 children. Though anger and resentment are sky-high, the cease-fire with Israel will give some respite to the people. However, there seems to be no escape for the two million people who have been boxed into 365 square kilometres for years. The two-state solution remains the only option for solving this most intractable of conflicts. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

All still to play for in France and Spain on final day: The domestic titles are done and dusted in England, Germany and Italy, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan claiming the glory respectively. But as we enter the final weekend of the season, the crowns in France and Spain are still up for grabs. Atletico Madrid are the surprise La Liga leaders in Spain and Lille are an even bigger shock in France. Both can clinch the league titles with one final victory, with Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain, respectively, at their heels. Atletico lead the Spanish giants by two points but if they draw, a Real win would see the title slip through their hands. They visit Valladolid on Saturday, while Real Madrid hosts seventh-place Villarreal at the same time. The matches in France come a day later. Lille, who lead PSG by a single point, play at Angers knowing a win will seal the title. Defending champions PSG will face Brest. [COMMENT BY: Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

Germany announces 2-week quarantine for UK arrivals As cases of a COVID-19 variant found in India continue to climb in Britain, Germany has declared the UK a virus variant region and anyone entering the country from there will now need to quarantine for two weeks. The new measures will take effect from tomorrow and will apply to even those who have been inoculated. Germany is playing it safe and this is a sensible decision as it is in an important phase of its vaccination campaign and cannot afford a spike in new cases caused by the new variant. Even though a third wave appears to have been broken, being cautious - until we know the virus is totally gone - is the right approach. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]