From the Editors: Dubai takes lead to vaccinate more residents

DUBAI TAKES LEAD TO VACCINATE MORE RESIDENTS: Good news for Dubai visa holders as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced to reduce the age limit from 60 to 40 years for residents to be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The development happened sooner than expected as the DHA takes lead in expanding the scope of vaccinating people. The announcement is aligned with instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to adopt comprehensive measures to protect the community from COVID-19 and ensure the highest levels of health and safety. Residents must benefit from this generous gesture to protect themselves from the pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

STRIKE AGAINST US IN IRAQ COULDN’T HAVE COME AT WORSE TIME: Ten rockets targeted an Iraqi military base on Wednesday that hosts US troops. It is the last thing Iraq wants, especially as it is prepares to host the Pope on a historic visit. The rocket barrage can be viewed as a response to the US attack against Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week. Spare a thought here for the hapless Iraqi government, as its two biggest allies - the global superpower and a regional power - battle it out on its soil. For Iraq to have a semblance of sovereignty, it is key that the government, as a first step, reigns in the pro-Iran militias. And stresses to Washington and Tehran not to play their games on Iraqi soil. Alas, both of these things are easier said than done. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

US GOVERNMENT, STATES PULL IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS: US President Joe Biden has promised there will be enough COVID-19 vaccines for every adult in the country by May. But desperate measures by states like Texas where it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask will likely undo the efforts taken to fight the pandemic. Letting one’s guard down at a crucial juncture is not a good idea. It is a sign of frustration that has set in. Vaccines by themselves cannot protect us, unless they are coupled with wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. The pandemic is far from over, and unless everyone plays their part, we are only prolonging the agony. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham Senior Associate Editor]

UNITED REMAIN CAUTIONS IN EPL TRANSFER WINDOW: Manchester United are staying sensible despite the English Premier League title looking out of sight for another season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists there will be no summer spending spree after their neighbours Manchester City stretched their lead to 15 points at the top of the table with a 4-1 win over Wolves on Tuesday night. The Norwegian coach said United will not embark on a lavish binge in the summer transfer window due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Premier League club’s finances. The 20-time top-flight champions are on the lookout for reinforcements as they attempt to bridge the gap to Pep Guardiola’s side next season, but Solskjaer said they must be “responsible” with their finances. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

SPREADING VACCINE POSITIVELY: Spreading vaccine positivity: Singer Dolly Parton was literally singing as she got her COVID-19 vaccine, giving her classic song ‘Jolene’ a new twist appropriate for the times. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine,” she sang in a video. “I’m begging of you please don’t hesitate.” Even as more and more people sign up for and get the vaccine, there are still some who might be skeptical about it. So it’s a positive sign when stars use their influence to urge those who are wary of the jab to get it and be safe. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]