From the Editors: Return to in-classroom learning in Abu Dhabi a reassuring development

RETURN TO IN-CLASSROOM LEARNING IN ABU DHABI A REASSURING DEVELOPMENT: It has been two weeks now that school students in Abu Dhabi have returned to in-classroom learning and it is indeed very reassuring to see how Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has ensured that all educational institutions in the emirate follow the health and safety measures that have been put in place to counter the spread of COVID-19. There are 62 parameters on which compliance checks are being run by Adek on Abu Dhabi schools and nurseries and so far all educational institutions have shown complete conformity to the prescribed health and safety measures. This indeed is commendable work on the part of all the stakeholders, including school authorities and parents, who have stayed committed to the cause of ensuring a safe return to schools by pupils for physical learning. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

IRAN-ISRAEL ESCALATION NEEDS TO BE AVOIDED FOR REGIONAL STABILITY: Israel has accused its biggest enemy, Iran, of being behind last week’s attack on an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, the morning after alleged Israeli air strikes targeted Iran-backed militias in Syria. Iran was also widely blamed for the November 27 assassination outside Tehran of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The tit-for-tat violence comes at a time when attempts are being made to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The current regional situation remains delicate, and all parties must ensure no steps are taken that could lead to instability. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

VARIANTS OF COVID-19 JUST KEEP COMING: With news of another variant of COVID-19 reported in New York City, experts have reacted, as one would expect, with a mixture of caution and concern. The US has been ravaged by COVID-19 with over 28 million cases and 512,000 deaths. The last thing it needs now is to deal with a new mutation that may have the potential to do even more damage. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

UNITED SLIP UP-BUT WHO IS TO BLAME? A day after Pep Guardiola admitted City “were not going to paint anything beautiful” but still found a way to win against a well-organised West Ham, Manchester United’s dismal record against the traditional heavyweights of Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal continued. City, the leaders, were the only side in the top five to win this weekend. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have not won in seven league meetings against those sides this season and have scored only once, from the penalty spot in a 6-1 thrashing by Spurs early in the season. Solskjaer was furious at the denial of a spot-kick at Stamford Bridge, but also has to reflect on whether his conservative nature against stronger opposition cost United the chance to challenge City for the title. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

WINS FOR ASIAN REPRESENTATION: Chloe Zhao became the first Asian American woman to win a Golden Globe for best director for her work on ‘Nomadland’, a film that also won the award for best motion picture - drama. Meanwhile, ‘Minari’, a Korean-American tale directed by Lee Isaac Chung, won the award for best motion picture - foreign language. These wins come amid increasing hate crimes against Asians in America. It has never been more relevant and important to see people of colour tell their stories and make a mark in the entertainment industry. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]