From the Editors: Families must foster open communication

FAMILIES MUST FOSTER OPEN COMMUNICATION: A news report on a teenager in the UAE lodging a police complaint against his father after being denied the pleasure of an online indulgence should make every family sit up. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of this particular case, it is worth noting that parenting today calls for a lot more flexibility and adaptability, just as there is a dire need for children to understand their parents better. It’ not about being right or wrong, the issue is that lack of open communication can easily result in a breakdown of family ties. And every effort must be made to avoid such a situation. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

US POLL RESULTS STILL IN FOCUS: The US elections were over in November, but the verdict is still being contested. The next challenge is on Wednesday when the US Congress convenes for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College vote. What should just have been a formality is now being looked at intently because some Republicans have said they will raise objections about voter fraud. Vice-President Mike Pence is in a tough position and how he handles the debate will decide the final outcome. For the sake of US democracy, we hope the Congressmen will focus on the larger good of the people and not on partisan gains. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

In a Premier League of mayhem in England this season, one intriguing factor is the behaviour of the coaches. Jose Mourinho is as curt as ever, Pep Guardiola keeps his cool after a slow start and Ole refuses to slate his players after a shabby performance: so far so normal. Then we see Jurgen Klopp, the boss of defending champions Liverpool — the shiny-teeth and smile ever-present — losing his rag after a loss to Southampton saw the Reds stumble in their pursuit of back-to-back EPL titles. It was classic “We was robbed” stuff as Klopp claimed Liverpool were denied a penalty. They have been given so many dodgy decisions and chuckled at others’ misfortune since VAR was introduced, Klopp should know better.[COMMENT BY Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

NO CELEBRITY IS ABOVE THE LAW: Bollywood’s Khan brothers, namely Arbaaz and Sohail Khan, along with the latter’s son Nirvaan, have been placed under mandatory quarantine at a hotel in Mumbai, while a police report has been filed against the trio for not adhering to COVID-19 protocols and choosing to go home instead. At a time when the world is reeling from a pandemic, with thousands losing near and dear ones to the virus, it is vital for people to follow the law and curb the spread. The action by the Khan brothers also comes as a surprise considering their older sibling Salman Khan has been an advocate about social distancing and following safety measures during the COVID-19 crisis. Perhaps he should have focused his advice towards his home first. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]