From the Editors: Dubai takes smart steps on security

DUBAI TAKES SMART STEPS ON SECURITY: Dubai continues its march into the future in adopting smart technologies for the benefits of its citizens and residents. The two latest initiatives include the inauguration of the Hamdan Smart Station for Simulation and Training and a Smart Police Station at the Dubai Airport Free Zone. These initiatives allow for rapid response to crisis situations, along with seamless rendering of services. The security personnel receive the highest standards of training and have access to the best equipment to carry out their duties. Dubai again shows the way forward. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

IRAQ PROTESTORS ARE BACK-WILL THINGS BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME? It seems Iraqis have not given up. Thousands have headed back to the streets, more than a year after massive protest erupted against limitless corruption, extreme mismanagement, and brutality of the security forces and allied militias. More than 550 were killed in those protests, mostly by pro-Iran Shiite militias that underwrite the government. Will it be different this time? Many of the protesters’ original grievances have only worsened since last year, with the COVID-19 crisis and low oil prices making a horrible situation unbearable. It is clear that unless serious, fundamental and structural reforms are undertaken in the administrative economic and security spheres, things will not change. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

TOUGH MEASURES TO FIGHT COVID-19: The World Health Organisation has called for decisive action to curb the spread of the coronavirus and warned that some countries are on a "dangerous track”. COVID-19 has now claimed the lives of 1.1 million people and infected more than 42 million globally, and continues to spread with devastating effect. Europe is facing the brunt of the second wave, forcing countries like Spain and Italy to take drastic measures. Add to this US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci’s statement that widespread vaccination would not be likely until later in 2021, and we have the recipe for a long, hard winter ahead. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

CLASS IS PERMANENT, AND FROM IS TEMPORARY: The saying’s almost a cliche in cricket. But the Rajasthan Royals provided more evidence of it in their successful chase of Mumbai Indians’ imposing total on Sunday night. Class, world-class, there’s plenty of it in Rajasthan. Skipper Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer could walk into any team in the world. But that class has not translated into victories in IPL 2020. Simply because, apart from Buttler and Archer, all others were misfiring. That finally changed on Sunday as Stokes’ scintillating strokeplay allowed Samson to play himself in. The result was a good score, a good partnership and a sterling win. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

The City Council of Wroclaw, Poland, has named a square after Amitabh Bachchan’s father Harivansh Rai Bachchan, as a tribute to the late poet. It’s another testament to how art and culture has the power to transcend borders and touch the hearts of many around the world. Language and cultural differences should not stop people from exploring various fields, and in fact, should be part of our everyday lives. Listen to some Japanese pop, read a book by a Spanish author, visit an art exhibition by a Russian painter. The world is more beautiful that way. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]