From the Editors: Time for the flu shot in the UAE

TIME FOR THE FLU SHOT: The change in weather is a good time to start thinking of our annual flu shots. The UAE’s nationwide influenza vaccine drive has been underway for two weeks now, giving us an opportunity to protect ourselves early on. But as we have been advised, there should be a gap of two-three weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine. Even children over six months can take the flu shot. Those of us who are eligible must waste no time and head to the nearest health centre to get the needful done. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

SAUDI, IRAN TALKS BODE WELL FOR MIDDLE EAST: On Sunday, the Saudi government confirmed it had held its first round of direct negotiations with the new Iranian government of President Ebrahim Raisi. This is a step in the right direction, as a detente between the two major Middle East powers can only be good news for the region. Saudi Arabia hopes that the talks will form the basis to address unresolved issues between the two sides. There is no denying that Iran has a place in the Middle East. It is an ancient civilisation and a major state in the region. But it must realise that its interests are best served by good relations with its neighbours. And for that to happen, the government in Tehran has to take two important steps: (i) Come clean on its nuclear, and ballistic missiles, programmes; and (ii) stop interference in the affairs of Arab states. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

MAN CITY-LIVERPOOL: A CONTEST THAT LEFT THE FANS BREATHLESS: The 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool on Sunday simply blew away the followers of Premier League – and City boss Pep Guardiola put it into perspective by saying this sums up why this league offers the best football now. The points were shared between the two sides that have dominated English football for the past four years after a breathless second half that saw City twice come from behind having dominated the first 45 minutes. ‘’What a game! That is the reason the last years Man City and Liverpool were always there because we try to play in this way,’’ said Guardiola. A share of the spoils leaves the title-race tantalisingly poised with Liverpool a point behind leaders Chelsea and City two points off the top in third. [Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor)

NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW, NOT EVEN BOLLYWOOD: If Aryan Khan’s arrest proves one thing then it’s the simple fact that no one is above the law, even if you are the son of the biggest actor in India. With Shah Rukh Khan for a father, unfortunately for Aryan, the world’s eyes are on the young 23-year-old who was arrested in Mumbai on October 23 following a drug bust aboard a cruise ship bound for Goa. Whether it was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time or whether Aryan was simply the latest name to be associated with Bollywood’s infamous drug nexus remains to be seen as the investigation unfolds. Until then, his arrest serves as a lesson that public life may come with privilege but it also comes with scrutiny from all.[COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]