From the Editors: UAE shows the way to combat COVID-19

UAE SHOWS THE WAY IN COVID-19 COMBAT: The decision to ease capacity limits at malls and other venues in the UAE ushers in a sense of normality with necessary COVID-19 precautions in place. Taking measured steps in reopening various sectors to business, the UAE has shown the way in what is a dynamic situation as the world combats the coronavirus. Till the global war against COVID-19 is won, we cannot afford to let our guard down. We have a responsibility to shoulder. And this includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks, maintaining social distance and keeping hand hygiene. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

TALIBAN ADVANCE MAY HAVE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES: Taliban’s advance looks unstoppable. On Monday, they took control of another provincial capital in Afghanistan, the latest in a relentless offensive as US and Nato forces finalise their pullout plans. The city of Sar-e Pul joins three other provincial capitals now fully under Taliban control: Zaranj, the capital of western Nimroz province, the city of Shibirghan, the capital of northern Zawzjan province, and Taleqan, the capital of another northern province with the same name. Apart from turning their guns on provincial capitals, the Taliban have been waging an assassination campaign targeting senior officials. Reports say almost 30,000 Afghans are fleeing the fighting each week which would eventually lead to another refugee crisis. The fighting has also raised growing concerns about civilian casualties and human rights violations. The West, especially the US and UK, must step up its efforts to help avoid dangerous consequences in Afghanistan. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

SPORTSMANSHIP THE WINNER IN NORTH LONDON DERBY FRIENDLY: Usually, fans of Tottenham and Arsenal are at each other’s throats when the North London giants face off and the tension can be cut with a knife. But during yesterday’s pre-season friendly match between the two Premier League rivals, the fans put aside their differences and afforded a warm welcome to the Gunners player Bukayo Saka – one of the three English players to miss a penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy last month. This was Saka’s first game back in domestic football and there had been a threat of him receiving a backlash from the Tottenham fans but thankfully they did the opposite and gave him a nice reception. Saka, Sancho and Rashford had each received racist abuse on social media following the defeat at Wembley but it was great to see Spurs fans unveil a banner reading "North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination". Saka almost scored but new Tottenham goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini kept out the 19-year-old's low shot. In the end Spurs ran out 1-0 winners but the real winner yesterday was sportsmanship. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

DARK SIDE OF FAME: Everyone knows actor Kit Harington for playing the brooding Jon Snow in the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. In a new interview, Harington has opened up about a side of himself that many might not know. The actor says he has successfully overcome alcoholism and depression, and he hopes talking about it will help others. It’s true that celebrities have riches, fame and access to things that many do not. However, with all this comes pressure, expectations and public scrutiny. Here’s hoping that the actor can keep up his recovery, and inspire others to face their battles as well. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]