From the editors: Horrific head-on traffic collision on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road

GRIM REMINDER: The tragic death of three people in a head-on traffic collision on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, off Umm Al Quwain, yesterday is yet another grim reminder that speeding kills. According to the police, one of the three motorists who died was driving at a high speed against the traffic on the highway when his car rammed into another car coming from the opposite direction, killing two others inside that vehicle. Keeping within speed limits, no matter where we are, is essential not only for our own safety, but also that of the community. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

IS IRAQ REALLY READY FOR EARLY ELECTIONS? In the end of July, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi announced early elections will be held in Iraq on June 6, 2021. At the time, the United Nations Mission in Iraq welcomed Al Kadhimi’s move. Early polls are an important popular demand for greater stability and democracy. But is Iraq ready? The President, Barham Salih, doesn’t seem so sure. And he has a point. Salih implied that without security and stability, and without tangible reforms, any electoral exercise will not bring the desired results. Iraq’s long-suffering people deserve a political class and system that, finally, puts their interest and well-being first. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

DEBATE HEATS UP OVER GINSBURG REPLACEMENT: Should he, shouldn’t he? That is the question on everyone’s mind when it comes to US President Donald Trump nominating a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday. If the president’s appointment is approved by the Senate, it would cement a 6-3 conservative majority that could influence American law and life for decades. Democrats say that with less than two months to go for the presidential elections, the people must be given a chance to speak and the nomination should wait. After all, this is what happened during a similar scenario in 2016. It will be interesting to see how the president acts and how long the Senate takes to vote on the decision. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

DELHI CAPITALS WON THEIR IPL OPENER BUT KINGS XI PUNJAB RAN THEM CLOSE: In fact, Punjab should have won but for two incidents. With nine balls left, a short run was called when Delhi’s Chris Jordan ran two. TV replays showed that Jordan had grounded his bat. There was no short run, which means Punjab would have won. Then Mayank Agarwal came to grief as his shot found the only player in the outfield when he could have dabbed for a single, but even the best of players suffer brain freeze. Punjab were forced into a Super Over and the rest was history. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

FIRST MOVERS GET THE WINS: Who said public sector enterprises are not fleet-footed enough? Post the UAE-Israel Accord, the UAE’s government-owned enterprises are the ones making the moves to tap that new marketplace. And nothing gets more direct than DP World’s joint venture with an Israeli partner to bid for the strategically vital Haifa Port and, if it wins, secure a prominent win for a UAE enterprise. Private businesses too must come up with their Israel-focussed plans on the fly – they sure could learn a thing or two from Khalaf Al Habtoor. His Group is exploring options across multiple sectors, including, possibly, airlines. The possibilities are endless – but being a first-mover comes with advantages. [COMMENT BY Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

Famed Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap’s lawyer has responded to sexual abuse allegations by actress Payal Ghosh first through a series of tweets, and now with an official statement through his lawyer. When pop star Justin Bieber was accused of sexual abuse, there was overwhelming support for the alleged victims. Bieber has since chosen to take legal action against the anonymous accusers. In this case too, it has come down to hear say. While we don’t know yet if Ghosh’s claim against Kashyap has any merit, it’s imperative she be allowed to make her case without persecution. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor-Features]