From the Editors: One small act of kindness, a huge statement for humanity

ONE SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS - A HUGE STATEMENT FOR HUMANITY: The video clip went viral within a few hours after it was posted on social media. So much so, that His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, himself tweeted: “Proud and happy to see such acts of kindness in our beautiful city. Whoever identifies these unsung heroes, please help us thank them.” Four men – two Indians, one Pakistani and a Moroccan -- who didn’t even know each other prior to the incident, got together and held out a sheet to make sure a pregnant cat, precariously perched on the balcony of a building, had a safe ‘landing’ as she jumped for dear life! A simple act of kindness that went a long way in saving the lives of a mother and her fetuses – melting hearts and earning plaudits. As Sheikh Mohammed’s generous gesture of rewarding the Good Samaritans is a huge acknowledgement of a heart-warming act, the rescue ‘mission’ itself is yet another reminder that in spite of all the human frailties and fallibilities, life is beautiful and worth living – every bit. And that God has His own ways of making sure life continues – unabated. [COMMENT by Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR SERIOUS IRAN NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY: US President Joe Biden has made it clear to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett that diplomacy is his first option, but that he would consider other options if his effort to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal fails. Bennett’s Washington visit comes weeks after Ebrahim Raisi, a conservative cleric, was sworn in as Iran’s new president. Raisi has suggested he’ll engage with the US. But he also has struck a hardline stance, ruling out negotiations aimed at limiting Iranian missile development and support for regional militias. However, indirect talks between the US and Iran have stalled months ago. In the past, Trump’s maximum pressure campaign has emboldened Iran to push ahead with its nuclear programme. In a recent report, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade. Israel also said Iran is only two months away from acquiring the materials necessary for a bomb. In view of these reports, there is an urgency for a diplomatic push, involving the regional countries, to solve Iran’s nuclear issue. [COMMENT by Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

Ronaldo re-signs for Utd in most incredible transfer window ever - and it isn’t over yet RONALDO RE-SIGNS FOR UTD IN MOST INCREDIBLE TRANSFER WINDOW EVER - AND IT ISN'T OVER YET: It has now become the most incredible transfer window in history. Nobody thought Lionel Messi’s move from Barcelona to PSG would be topped. But it has, and how. It was looking as if Cristiano Ronaldo was heading to the blue half of Manchester from Juventus, a move which would have really rankled with the red half, but then his former club Manchester United stunned the football world by snatching the five-time Ballon d’Or winner away from the grasps of rivals City to mark a sensational return to Old Trafford. The way in which the move played out was incredible. Apparently a deal had been agreed with City as well as personal terms but following a phone call to Sir Alex Ferguson, a father-like figure for Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar changed his mind and returned to the club that he left in 2009 for Real Madrid. Now he is back, Utd should mount a serious challenge for the top honours. We still have four days before the transfer window shuts and we should brace ourselves for many more twists and turns. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF EMIRATI WOMEN: As the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day today, it is incredible to see such trailblazing female pioneers who are paving the way for young hopefuls poised to embark on their own journeys. In a country that is on the cusp of celebrating 50 years, women have come a long way in leaving their mark in their fields of choice. While at one end we have female race car driver Amna Al Qubaisi steering a course that few women have attempted, figure skater Zahra Lari remains a talented powerhouse who hopes to represent the UAE at the 2022 Winter Olympics. A special mention also goes out to Alia Al Neyadi, who stands tall as one of the first generation of Emirati ballerinas, along with Butheina Kazim and Nayla Al Khaja who have dedicated their lives to promote and nuture the UAE’s organic film industry. Kudos to such phenomenal women and their ambition. [COMMENT by Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor, Gulf News]