From the Editors: Do not delay your vaccination

DO NOT DELAY YOUR VACCINATION: With more than 9.78m doses of COVID-19 jabs given so far, the UAE is well on track to vaccinate its people within the shortest possible time. It is high time that those who have so far been reluctant to get the vaccine, change their mindset and be part of the campaign to ensure a pandemic-free UAE. It is all the more important for people to ensure free movement because the authorities are considering to take stringent measures to restrict the movement of non-vaccinated people and they may not be allowed to enter certain places. Everyone must get COVID-19 vaccination not only for their own safety but also to ensure their families stay virus-free and healthy. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

FOR PEACE IN YEMEN, HOUTHIS MUST END WAR-LUST: The offensive by Al Houthi militia against Marib city has led to hundreds of deaths and a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The Iran-backed rebels think that if they get an upper hand in Marib, it will strengthen their bargaining position in any future negotiations. But this ill-informed belief is having a tremendous impact on civilians in Yemen, who had been scarred by seven years of war as a result of the militia’s coup against the internationally-recognised government of President Ab Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Marib is home to hundreds of thousands of already uprooted people, who risk being displaced again. In their quest for usurpation of territory, Al Houthis are sacrificing the people of Yemen. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CHAUVIN VERDICT GIVES HOPE TO THOSE STRUGGLING TO BE HEARD: The conviction of ex-cop Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd has allowed many in the US to breathe a sigh of relief. Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter for holding a knee to Floyd's neck, choking off his breathing until he went limp last May. It shows a strong legal system in the US which values the lives of people, regardless of colour. Of course, it is just one verdict, but it is a beginning. There is hope, not just for those who struggle to be heard in the US, but for people all over the world. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

FALL-OUT FROM ESL WILL OUTLIVE THE BREAKAWAY COMPETITION: I’ve had migraines that lasted longer than the European Super League in its original form — and that’s a fact. The breakaway competition, initially featuring 12 top clubs from Europe, was announced on Sunday evening, created a flurry of backlash on Monday, and had all six Premier League teams pull out by late Tuesday. Though the remaining six teams from Serie A and La Liga have yet to withdraw, English football fans certainly triumphed this week, after going to the streets in their numbers to protest. Players and managers stood up and spoke out — from Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola calling the Super League ‘unfair’ to Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp saying his opinion from 2019, that he hopes the Super League ‘never happens’, hasn’t changed. But, a quick glance at Twitter shows #KroenkeOut trending, as Arsenal fans appear to be planning another protest this weekend at the Emirates Stadium to push for club owner Stan Kroenke’s removal. Fans across the EPL are agitated and mobilised, and it seems like the fall-out from the Super League could be much more daunting — and long-lasting — than the ESL itself. [COMMENT BY: Marwa Hamad, Assistant Editor]

HOLLYWOOD CELEBRATES GUILTY VERDICT IN GEORGE FLOYD CASE: Hollywood is not just a beautiful façade that is all glam and no substance. After raising its voice to spark the #MeToo movement and taking it mainstream, their collective voice also threw its support behind the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death. It was only fair that they would speak up again following the verdict of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who was found guilty of killing Floyd after kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes. Kerry Washington added her weight to the collective voices but chose to look ahead: “This fight for justice is not over. We have a lot of work to do. There is more fight ahead of us. But right now please take care of yourself. And let’s take care of each other.” Washington’s message has hit home at a time when the world needs to come together and heal collectively. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]