UAE puts people’s welfare first and why are all eyes on Fed, our editors comment on the top stories of December 2

CELEBRATING DECADES OF UAE'S ACHIEVEMENTS. As the UAE today celebrates 51 years of unification of the seven emirates, the leadership have set ambitious targets for the coming five decades. Though a significant driver of progress will be science and technology, the most valuable resource – the men and women of the UAE – will remain at the forefront, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said in his address to the nation on the occasion of the 51st National Day. Public private partnership and Emiratisation is also central to the strategy, reiterated His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in his address. Once again, the UAE has placed its people’ welfare over all other considerations, leading the country to greater heights. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

CONSUMERS EVERYWHERE LOOK TO US FED FOR A YEAR-END FAVOUR: Can consumers and businesses in the UAE and everywhere else expect a nice, warm end-of-year favour from the US Federal Reserve? In the form of a 0.50 per cent hike – instead of those heavy on the pocket 0.75 per cent that the Fed had passed on the last four times? Even that minor dip in cost burden on borrowers will be some relief, and more if the Fed then decides to taper down on the inflation-busting policy of sustained rate hikes. If this is matched by some US/global data that suggest inflation pressures too are easing, it will place consumers and businesses in a much better position to take on what 2023 has in store. A confidence booster can be such a great help – will the Fed oblige on December 14? (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

MORE TALKS NEEDED TO END NORTH KOREA IMPASSE: The US has imposed sanctions on three senior North Korean officials after the latest intercontinental ballistic missile tests. The sanctions freeze any US-based assets of the individuals and bar dealings with them. But decades of sanctions have failed to halt North Korea's missile and nuclear weapon programmes. It is important to show that the world is responding to the missile tests. But more importantly, all efforts must to taken to bring North Korea to the negotiations table. Backchannel talks must continue to help put an end to the impasse. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

ENGLAND CONTINUE TO AMAZE WITH AGGRESSIVE BRAND OF CRICKET: Test matches are dull, lacking the intensity of the shorter formats and it is a format for the purists. These are the oft repeated statements among the cricket fans, at least in the past. The advent of One-Day Internationals brought more risk-taking shots into the game, which took the run-rate to about 3.5 to 4 an over. The advent of Twenty20 and England adopting to play audacious and bold game in the recent times have given them a real upper hand in the five-day format while also entertaining the fans. Now under Ben Stokes, England have taken the Tests to a new level by scoring 506 for four in 75 overs, that includes four centuries, on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. An amazing feat that England continue to produce. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

KANYE WEST’S RANTING IS DANGEROUS: The once well-regarded rapper and musician Kanye West has seemingly gone out of his way to tarnish his own reputation and has been suspended on Twitter by Elon Musk. “I tried my best. Despite that, he again violated our rule against incitement to violence. Account will be suspended,” Musk tweeted. West’s sentiments are damaging not only to himself and to his family, but to the people who he’s condemning with his thoughtless rants. Those who love him must step in and get his the help he needs because he causes even more damage. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)