From the Editors: Get your children vaccinated ahead of academic year

GET YOUR CHILDREN VACCINATED AHEAD OF ACADEMIC YEAR: As the new academic year is set to start from August 29, parents are strongly recommended to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure in person classes. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has given a one-month-grace period until the end of September to all students to get vaccination. All unvaccinated pupils will undergo a mandatory PCR test 14 days to ensure attending ‘face to face’ classes. Though, this rule does not affect students in Dubai schools, parents must ensure that their children are vaccinated before they send them to schools to guard them against COVID-19 pandemic. Distance learning will continue to be an option for all students. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior, Senior Assistant Editor]

KUWAIT, IRAQ MOVING AWAY FROM LEGACY OF PAST: Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi is on an official visit to Kuwait. The significance of the trip lies in the uniquely complicated relationship between the two countries, given Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and all that followed. Kuwait suffered immensely as a result of that military misadventure but, after the US invasion that toppled Saddam’s government, ties have significantly improved with every successive Iraqi government. Iraq has paid significant reparations to Kuwait for the losses incurred as a result of the invasion and short occupation of the country by Iraqi troops. Al Kadhimi is now looking to close that chapter, and embark on a mutually beneficial relationship with his wealthy neighbour - and rightly so.[ COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

WORLD SHOULD COME TOGETHER TO AVERT HUMANITARIAN CRISIS: President Joe Biden’s comments indicating that the US is ready to extend the August 31 deadline to airlift Americans and tens of thousands of others from Afghanistan’s capital could give much-needed hope for those who are desperate to leave the country. Reports also say British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will ask Biden to extend the deadline when Group of Seven leaders discuss the crisis on Tuesday. Since August 14, the US has evacuated and facilitated the evacuation of about 30,300 people on military and coalition flights. It’s also heartening to know that the US forces in Kabul have managed to improve access to the airport for Americans and others seeking to get on flights and widened a ‘safe zone’. The virtual G7 summit, apart from accelerating measures for speedy evacuations, should take immediate steps to prevent a humanitarian crisis. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

NICE V MARSEILLE MATCH ANANDONED AFTER FANS STORM PICTH: The match between Nice and Marseille in Ligue 1 had to be abandoned last night after fans stormed onto the pitch. It all kicked off when Marseille’s Dimitri Payet was struck on the back by a bottle thrown from the Nice fans as he went to take a corner. He then threw it back into the crowd and this lead to masses of fans pouring onto the pitch with stewards and police unable to restrain them. A brawl between the two teams also broke out and they were taken off the pitch. After a lengthy delay Nice – who were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a Kasper Dolberg first-half goal - came back on to finish the match but the Marseille players, some of whom were reportedly injured in the melee, refused to. Marseille’s opening 3-2 win at Montpellier two weeks ago was also held up when fans pelted the pitch with bottles. It is great to have fans back inside stadiums as the atmosphere they create is brilliant, however it is sad to see that the ugly side of the game still exists. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

CINEMAS VS STREAMING BATTLE IN THE LIMELIGHT AGAIN: Hollywood actress Elizabeth Olsen has shared her support for Scarlett Johansson amid the ‘Black Widow’ actress’ legal dispute with Disney. Johansson claims that Disney’s decision to simultaneously release the Marvel movie in theaters and on streaming breached their contract. Olsen and others stars might be watching this case unfold with their own careers in mind. As actors, their bread and butter has traditionally come from ticket sales. But thanks to the pandemic, streaming sites have gained power like never before. Actors might be extra cautious with the contracts going forward and would be keen to see theatres be given priority.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]