From the editors: Why the choice of Kamala Harris and COVID-19 vaccine trials in the UAE matter

GLOBAL PANDEMIC, LOCAL RESPONSE: Among the first countries to test over 50 per cent of its population for COVID-19, UAE is ranked fifth globally for tests per million people. This means it can analyse and check the disease spread more accurately than most other nations. The launch of the world's first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine against the coronavirus and the resumption of activities in all spheres of life, with the restoration of public confidence, is no coincidence. It’s yet another testimony to the UAE’s enviable ability to walk the talk and stand the test of time. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

HEZBOLLAH ON DEFENSIVE, WORLD MUST SEEK CHANGE: For reasons too long to explain here, Hezbollah and its good friend Iran find themselves in a delicate situation after the catastrophic blast in Beirut. The talk of ‘change’ is in the air and, more than anything, that ‘change’ in Lebanon means curtailing the astonishing power of Hezbollah, a militia that some have described as a “state within a non-state”. Iran certainly doesn’t want to see this change. Also, adding pressure on Hezbollah is the likely conviction of four of its members in the soon-due verdict on Hariri’s assassination. The world must condition aid on real changes in the system of governance in Lebanon. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

KAMALA HARRIS LIVES THE IMMIGRANT DREAM: The wait is finally over. Kamala Harris, who has been chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate for the US presidential elections, will appeal to a range of voters - African Americans, those of Indian origin, younger voters and women. Her multiracial background will give her the confidence to navigate a society that is riven by ethnic strife. And at 55, she will be a classic example of the immigrant dream. Unafraid to speak her mind as was seen during her own campaign, Harris will be expected to continue breaking barriers. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

UK IS IN RECESSION: The UK has officially fallen into recession after official figures showed the economy contracting by a record 20.4 per cent in the second quarter as a result of lockdown measures put in place to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. The massive plunge in output is the largest since records began in 1955 and worse than any major economy so far. The report follows data that showed massive job losses since the start of the pandemic. The new set of data is certain to pile pressure on the government to ensure the withdrawal of its support programmes doesn't derail the nascent recovery. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SHOOTOUT IN NEW AVATAR: The Who’s Who of world football have converged in Lisbon for the four quarter finals of Uefa Championships League, which will kick off with with Paris Saint-Germain taking on outsiders Atalanta today. The continental showpiece, which has resumed four months behind schedule, is being staged in a different avatar – the two-legged quarter-finals and semi-finals have been done away with and all eight teams have come to Portugal. PSG will meet Atalanta on Wednesday with the winners advancing to a semi-final against either Atletico Madrid or RB Leipzig, who play on Thursday. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

SANJAY DUTT’S FAMILY RUSHES TO HIS SIDE: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s wife, producer Manyata Dutt, and their twin children flew to India on August 11 from Dubai on a charter flight, a day after it was reported that Dutt is suffering from stage 3 lung cancer. The star of the ‘Munna Bhai’ series was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai a few days ago but suspicions of COVID-19 were negated by a test. Further investigations revealed the lung condition, said local media. He is currently taking some time off work, he confirmed without mentioning cancer, to get treatment abroad. [COMMENT BY: Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor]