From the Editors: Emirati analog astronauts soar higher and higher

SOARING HIGHER AND HIGHER: The selection of the first two Emirati analog astronauts, Abdallah AlHammadi and Saleh AlAmeri, for the UAE’s Analog Mission#1 is yet another milestone in the country’s spectacular space journey. The eight-month-long analog mission that will be conducted in Moscow, Russia, later this year, will study the spatial effects of isolation and confinement on human psychology, physiology and team dynamics to help prepare for long-duration space exploration. The CrewONE team comprising the duo will set a tall precedent for other youngsters seeking similar pursuits in the country. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

TALIBAN MUST ENSURE PEOPLE ARE NOT HARMED: With Taliban in control of Kabul dealing a stunning end to Afghanistan's 20-year war, the question now is what happens next. What is of primary importance is the safety of the people. Thousands of people have mobbed the aiport hoping to get out as soon as possible. Sixty countries have appealed to the Taliban to allow the people to leave. The ease with which the Taliban entered Kabul and also overthrew the administrations in the provincial capitals shows the futility of the US spending billions of dollars over 20 years in propping up the armed forces. With the country in their grip, the Taliban must ensure that the people are not harmed and there is no bloodshed. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

NO KANE NO PROBLEM FOR TOTTENHAM AS THEY SURPRISE CHAMPIONS MAN CITY: Harry Kane has been linked with a move all summer to Man City and he was absent for Tottenham yesterday as they kicked off their 2021/22 English Premier League season at home against the champions. Was a deal being thrashed out between the clubs during the match? It’s quite possible as the transfer window is open until the end of this month and teams are allowed to buy and sell players until then. Without the striker, Spurs were expected to struggle but they proved there is life after Kane by securing a hard working 1-0 over Pep Guardiola’s side. Son scored the winner early in the second half and ensured new boss Nuno Espirito Santo got off to a great start at the North London club. It will be interesting to see how Spurs cope in the long term if indeed the England forward moves on as so much of their game is dependent on the 28-year-old. As for City, it was a disappointing display and not even their record £100 million man Jack Grealish could inspire them. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

A WIN FOR CINEMAS: Hollywood movie ‘Free Guy’, starring Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer, is raking in the big bucks in North American theatres, having collected $26 million (Dh95.48 million) so far. This success comes despite it being a standalone movie not related to a big franchise — like many other films released recently — and having a cinema-only launch. The sci-fi comedy, out now in the UAE, has impressed audiences and it goes to show that fresh ideas that are executed well can draw massive appeal and bring viewers back to the theatres. [COMMENTBY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]