UAE leads fight against drug trafficking and Japan opens to all tourists, our editors comment on the top stories of September 23

UAE LEADS FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING: The UAE’s fight against drug trafficking within the country and beyond has resulted in great success over the years. According to a latest report, the Ministry of Interior participated in an international drug trafficking operation that successfully seized illegal drugs and substances worth $717 million. Code-named ‘Operation Lionfish V, the latest campaign which was led by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), also resulted in the arrest of 1,333 suspects in various countries. The pre-operation and capacity-building meetings in Abu Dhabi demonstrated UAE’s capabilities to bring together law enforcement experts, and the effectiveness of international law enforcement to work together in sharing intelligence directly, to disrupt global drug routes and cut off criminal organisation. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

FEARS OF PANDEMIC RECEDE GLOBALLY: “We still have a problem with Covid,” US President Joe Biden said a few days ago. “We’re still doing a lot of work on it … but the pandemic is over,” he added. It appears that fears around the pandemic may be receding globally with Japan becoming the latest country to fully open its doors to foreign tourists, after more than two years of closed borders due to the Covid pandemic. Tourists will be able to visit the country and will no longer need to go through a travel agency, from 11 October. A cap on daily arrivals will also be fully lifted. This is good news. While caution is still important, a more open world heralds hope. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

WITH ENERGY, GRADUAL CHANGE WORKS BETTER: UAE and Saudi Arabia are making their points on energy – bluntly. Sure, there’s the telling need to speed up the process towards reducing the need for fossil fuels and ramping up on renewables and any other clean energy options. But ‘under-investment’ in the legacy energy space at this point in time will not serve the greater purpose. It calls on consumers across the world to make far greater sacrifices than they ought to by rights. And possibly pay a higher tariff for their energy needs. Some of that is playing out right now, or will soon once the winter sets in. Clearly, under investing is a source of pain…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

FEDERER WILL BE BOWING OUT ON A HIGH: Roger Federer is beginning his swansong at the Laver Cup. What a stage he chose to bow out! He is part of the team that has Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray - the four holding a total of 65 Grand Slam titles between them, which means they have been winning the majors for the last 16 years. A staggering feat. The crowning moment will come today when the Swiss great partners with Nadal in the doubles against the Rest of the World. It’s not the end though. Federer has promised to be closely associated with the game of tennis that has been the part of his life for decades. His fans must be eagerly awaiting the return of the gentleman. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

CELEBRITY SCANDALS GALORE: ‘Cheating’ seems to be the word of the week in the world of entertainment. On one side, Khloe Kardashian has introduced her new baby boy to the world on the season 2 premiere of reality show ‘The Kardashians’, and has shared her feelings about being cheated on by former partner Tristan Thompson. On an another side, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has denied claims of infidelity, but has acknowledged being inappropriate with another woman. Meanwhile, actress Nia Long’s longtime boyfriend Ime Udoka, head coach for the Boston Celtics, is facing allegations of cheating. No matter how famous a person gets, good morals should still remain a priority. Lying and cheating on the people you care about will only lead to more unhappiness that money and fame won’t be able to fix. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)