From the Editors: UAE’s top ranking is a matter of great pride

UAE’S TOP RANKING IS A MATTER OF GREAT PRIDE: That the UAE has emerged right on top in the region in the Women, Peace and Security Report 2021 should come as no surprise given the efforts being made to achieve gender balance in the country. There has been a lot of legislative work that has been undertaken by the UAE Gender Balance Council and its partners to focus on women’s personal status and issues like domestic violence and discrimination, besides labour relations and social security laws. All of this has gone on to prioritise the role of women and enhance their position not only within the country, but also regionally and globally. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

DRONE ATTACK ON PM SHOWS SCALE OF SECURITY THREAT IN IRAQ: So it has come to this. Just when one thought the situation in Iraq couldn’t get any worse, a drone attack - no less - targeted Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhemi at his home in the heavily fortified ‘Green Zone’ in Baghdad. Al Kadhemi escaped the assassination attempt unhurt but the fact that the prime minister of a country can be targeted by apparent non-state actors using weapons such as drones is alarming. Who is to blame? There is no clarity on that yet. But the context to the attack is that it came after protests in Baghdad over October’s general election turned violent. And the groups that are protesting the most are Iran-backed militias who lost the most in the election. And yes, they have access to weapons systems such as unmanned drones.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

ENGLAND INTO T20 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL BUT AT A HUGE COST: In spite of a narrow defeat against South Africa, England have qualified for the T20 World Cup semi-finals, but it has come at a huge cost. During the 10-run defeat, they lost opening batsman Jason Roy to an injury and he looks set miss the rest of the tournament. He is the second England player to suffer an injury following pace bowler Tymal Mills also having to pull out. Losing two important players has now seriously weakened the team and they may find it hard to progress to the final and pick up the coveted trophy. Even though South Africa inflicted a first defeat of the tournament on England, they miss out on a last four spot to Australia who have a superior net run rate.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

52 YEARS LATER, AMITABH BACHCHAN HAS A FEW MORE SURPRISES IN STORE: What does one write about a man who has entertained millions for more than five decades and continues to command a star power and adulation that would be the pride and envy of many who have come before him and others who will continue to live with his legend? Amitabh Bachchan, who made his Bollywood debut on November 7, 1969 with ‘Saat Hindustani’, marks 52 years in the film industry today, approaching it with an equal zest for crafting out more innovative roles in the years ahead. With more than five films in the pipeline and a juggernaut of a TV show keeping him busy, there was never anyone like him and even fewer who would dare imitate his near mythical status. If there was ever a message from his fans to commemorate this feat then it would simply say – keep entertaining Mr Bachchan. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]