From the Editors: Sharjah Municipality actions timely and laudable

LAUDABLE INITIATIVE: Sharjah Municipality’s continued crackdown against those staying illegally in various areas of the emirate is reassuring for families across neighbourhoods. The eviction of some categories of residents from areas not meant for them is essential for the safety of the community and acts as a deterrent against repeat violations. It also serves to check overcrowding in homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The manner in which the authorities are going about the campaign for the well-being of the public needs to be lauded. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

IRAN’S ELECTION DOESN’T OFFER REAL CHOICE: On June 18, Iranians go to the polls to elect a new president. The powerful Guardian Council has disqualified all but seven candidates from running for the post. All of them have one thing in common: They are hardliners. Many have a background in the security apparatus, especially the Revolutionary Guard. The Guardian Council can overwrite laws passed by Iran’s parliament. But with the candidacy of the seven hardliners, the Council - the second most powerful pillar of the Iranian ruling dispensation after the Supreme Leader - will ensure that all branches of the state are aligned on key issues, especially foreign and defence policies. Alas, Iranians going to the polls have no real choice. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

DROP IN INDIA INFECTIONS, FREE VACCINATIONS WAY FORWARD: India’s COVID-19 infections have dropped to less than 100,000 in 24 hours. This is good news. It has come largely on the back of lockdowns in many states across the country. But all eyes will be on cities like Delhi and Mumbai that have begun lifting restrictions. They will be good indicators of whether the virus numbers can be kept down even after curbs are lifted. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that vaccinations will be offered free to all adults from June 21, there is hope that the country will be able to clamp down on the spread of the coronavirus. But all this will need the cooperation of the people who will be required to follow the necessary protocols. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

UAE CAN DARE TO DREAM AGAIN: After convincing back-to-back victories over Group G rivals Malaysia and Thailand this week in Dubai, the UAE have vaulted themselves back into contention to qualify for the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup. Monday night’s 3-1 win over Thailand allowed them to pull clear of the bunch and move from fourth to second in the standings — two points behind Vietnam. Seven goals in the past two games will have them brimming with confidence ahead of the clash against Indonesia on June 11, where a win will allow them to progress to the final stages of qualifying, where they will be looking to return to football’s biggest stage for only the second time in their history. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

SCIENCE IS KEY: Bollywood actress Hema Malini has faced backlash after offering unscientific advice on how to keep COVID-19 away. Malini’s now-deleted tweets suggested people perform a purification ritual that is supposed to cleanse the environment. It’s important that celebrities and other people with huge platforms spread information about the coronavirus that has been vetted by scientific organisations and proven to be effective. The correct information can improve and save lives, and can help us reach the goal of a safer world faster. [COMMET BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]