From the Editors: Huge relief as resident visa holders stranded in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal allowed to enter UAE

HUGE RELIEF: The UAE’s decision to allow the return of resident visa holders stranded in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal from tomorrow spells huge relief for a number of families. Several expats, who have been stuck outside the UAE for a long time now, have been going through an ordeal as their lives, both on the personal and professional front, have been disrupted. It is also good that the authorities are letting only fully vaccinated residents get back. Due precautions should be taken by them when they are here to ensure that the UAE’s efforts to combat COVID-19 are not hampered in any way. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

A YEAR AFTER BEIRUT HORROR, LEBANON IN EVEN WORSE SHAPE: Exactly a year ago, the world watched in horror the monstrous blast that ripped apart Beirut’s port and ravaged Lebanon’s capital city, killing more than 200 people. Since much has been written and much has been said about one of the worst non-nuclear man-made explosions, which haunts its survivors, till this day, surely for many years to come. However, not a single official has been tried or held accountable for the disaster. After one year, Lebanon is arguably in even worse shape. The country descended into one crisis after another. The currency lost more than 90% of its value, impoverishing millions. Food and medicines are scarce. Lebanon has almost completely run out of fuel. In Beirut, close to a million people — almost 15% of the Lebanon’s overall population — can’t afford basic goods. Hope Najib Mikati, the new prime-minister designate, will form a cabinet that can tackle myriad problems facing the country. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

CROSSING THE LINE: Singer Selena Gomez has hit out at TV show ‘The Good Fight’ for a ‘joke’ the characters made about her kidney transplant. Gomez has called the comment tasteless and wished writers would not be allowed to let such scenes pass. Her fans have also rallied for Gomez and her medical journey to be respected. While some things about celebrities are acceptable fodder for light jokes, a line should be drawn at certain topics including those that have a lot of pain attached to them. It’s underhanded to turn Gomez’s trauma into a joke. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]