From the Editors: Running Dubai Metro services until 3am on August 20 and 27 a very pragmatic step

RUNNING DUBAI METRO SERVICES UNTIL 3AM ON AUGUST 20 AND 27 A VERY PRAGMATIC STEP: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority’s decision to run Dubai Metro services until 3am (UAE time) on August 20 and 27, comes as a huge relief to a large number of air travellers, and mostly Dubai residents, who are expected to return to UAE over the next two weekends as the summer holidays come to an end. Dubai Metro’s seamless integration into Dubai International Airport Terminals 1 and 3 has always been a boon for airport-bound passengers who can use the train services to proceed to their respective destinations within the city after exiting the airport. Since Dubai Metro services will be available until 3am on August 20 and 27, it will allow all those passengers who land in Dubai very late in the night or early in the morning on those two Fridays an alternative mass transit option, other than taxis or private transport, to reach home from the airport. This is indeed a very thoughtful move by the authorities. [COMMENT by Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

WILL ELECTIONS END LIBYA TURMOIL? For Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, holding the much-anticipated elections on December 24 will be seen as a culmination of a UN-backed process to end the turmoil in the strategic Arab state. Whether the polls will finally end Libya’s decade-long conflict remains to be seen but, importantly, the ceasefire is holding and the PM has pledged that Libya would not return to war. There are other encouraging signs, too, such as the ‘very significant decrease’ in weaponry brought into Libya. However, bones of contention remain. Among these are issues such as the candidacy of late Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif Al Islam, and Russian support for him. [COMMENT by Omar Shariff, International Editor]

A WEEK ON, HAITI VICTIMS STILL WAITING FOR AID: While the world has its eyes firmly focused on Afghanistan, spare a thought for Haiti. A week after a devastating earthquake killed more than 2,000 people, many are still waiting for aid deliveries. Damaged roads have hindered efforts to deliver aid to remote parts of the country and anger has been rising steadily. Four aid trucks were attacked and looted and scuffles have broken out over relief. While natural calamities are not in our control, relief and reconstruction are. Governments have a responsibility to look after their people, more so in times of distress or disasters. A helping hand to those who are suffering will not only better the lot of the people but also pull the country out of troubled times. [COMMENT by Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS URGE PLAYERS TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE: Pep Guardiola is urging footballers in the English Premier League to get a COVID-19 vaccine as the number of positive cases in Europe’s top league has risen. The Man City manager is among several Premier League managers including Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, advising players to get vaccinated. However, Guardiola says that he is not the right person to convince them to get the jab. “I think the doctors, the medical department can do it, so the players have to know that is to protect them, family and the rest of society. But no-one can obligate them to do it,” said the Spaniard. Arteta, who was surprised the Gunners' opener with Brentford went ahead after a number of coronavirus cases at the club, is also trying to encourage others to get the jab. “It's a really personal matter, we are trying to guide them and explain the reasons why it is better to do but at the end it's a personal decision.” [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

Onam celebration was going to understandably be muted this year due to the on-going pandemic, but Malayalam movie fans woke up to the sobering news of veteran actress Chithra’s death. The actress, who has featured in over 100 South Indian-language films, reportedly died due to a cardiac arrest. She was 56. After having acted with superstars ranging from the late icon Prem Nazir to long-enduring actor Mohanlal, Chithra was known for her solid supporting roles. She was never the proverbial bride, but was always a sturdy, reliable bridesmaid when it came to her roles. The appeal of Chithra was her ability to complement the film’s narrative perfectly. Even younger brigade of stars including Prithviraj and Manju Warrier understand her appeal. Instead of the usual Onam greetings post this year where they are draped in Kerala ivory and gold linen, they paid homage to Chithra’s life and times as an actress. [COMMENT by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor]