From the editors: Irresponsible COVID-19 rumours in UAE, Lionel Messi ponders future and Melania Trump's tries a soft touch

NO ROOM FOR RUMOURS IN FIGHTING A PANDEMIC: The recent incident involving a television channel in the UAE propagating false news about the reported deaths of five members of a family due to coronavirus is both alarming and an eye-opener. With those involved with the spread of the said misinformation already under preventive detention, the time is ripe for all of us to realise that fighting a crisis as humongous as COVID-19 is a joint responsibility of the public and the government and that there is just no room for rumour-mongering. Checking of facts and cross-checking of the veracity of any claim is the least that we can expect from responsible members of society. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

MESSAGE FROM REGION IS CLEAR: STAY OUT OF ARAB AFFAIRS: The swift tripartite meeting on Tuesday between the leaders of Jordan, Iraq and Egypt highlighted moves to strengthen economic relations, renewed commitment to a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict and, most importantly, decried foreign meddling in Arab affairs. The third point is key as endless Turkish and Iranian meddling in internal matters of Arab countries - from Libya to Iraq, from Syria to Yemen - has led to alarm in almost all Arab countries. More than even before, conflicts in Arab nations are being directed from and manipulated by non-Arab capitals. This has to stop.[COMMENT BY:Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NOTE OF EMPATHY FROM MELANIA TRUMP: US first Lady Melania Trump tried to soften the image of her husband while speaking at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, focusing on the fight against the coronavirus and the country’s racial history. The remarks were a welcome break from the partisan tone of the other speakers. “In my husband, you have a president who will not stop fighting for you and your families. He will not give up,” Melania said. The call for unity and the attempt to show a softer side of Donald Trump will go a long way in wooing those sitting on the fence before the Presidential elections in November.[COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

The future of Lionel Messi will continue to dominate the deadlines after the Argentine genius declared that he wanted to leave Barcelona after nearly two decades on Tuesday. Fans gathered at Camp Nou to express their displeasure with the club for their role, chanting ‘Messi stay’ and ‘Bartomeu resign,’ referring to the club president. A legal battle may ensue between the club and the six-time Ballon ‘d Or winner over his plea to leave as a free agent. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

WHEN FED BECOMES OMNIPOTENT: All global markets are holding their breath to hear from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday on the direction of the US monetary policy at the annual Jackson Hole Fed conclave. Ahead of the meeting, most markets and asset classes have taken a pause. Gold was little changed on Wednesday. Asian shares were mostly lower after a lackluster session on Wall Street. When economic data becomes less reassuring and fiscal policy not adequate, it is no surprise, markets seek succor from central banks. All expect Powell to send a dovish message that rates will remain low for long. If Powell fails to deliver in Jackson Hole, markets could be staring at a black hole. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

THE CASE THAT JUST WON'T END: A judge has denied director Roman Polanski’s request to restore his Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences membership two years after he was expelled from it for raping a minor. The crime in question took place in 1977 when he was 43 and the victim a 13-year-old girl. Since 1978, Polanski has been a fugitive from the US criminal justice system and continues to make films. Many say that enough time has passed and he has paid for his sins. But Polanski has shown very little remorse for his heinous act. No amount of time can absolve him of not only being a rapist, but one who refuses to acknowledge what he did. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]