From the Editors: Speedy, mass screening in Abu Dhabi a welcome move

SPEEDY, MASS SCREENING A WELCOME MOVE: Abu Dhabi’s introduction of advanced scanners in select areas to instantly detect COVID-19 infection has intensified the fight against the coronavirus. To be installed at the emirate’s borders and certain public places in the pilot phase, they will ensure a foolproof screening of people moving in and out. The provision for infected individuals to undergo a free-of-charge follow-up PCR test within 24 hours is also welcome. The speedy, mass screening by the facility will allow for the immediate identification and isolation of cases, thus checking the spread of COVID-19. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

MODERATES STAND NO CHANCE IN IRAN’S ELECTION: In an act of apparent sincerity, Mohsen Mehralizadeh, a moderate, dropped out of the race to be Iran’s president, on the last day of campaigning on June 18. Often in Iranian polls, moderates drop out in order to boost the chances of other liberals. His departure is intended to boost the chances of fellow moderate Abdolnasser Hemmati. However, the system is tilted in favour of the hardliners, and there is consensus among observers that ultra-hardline judiciary chief, Ebrahim Raisi, is going to be the next president. The political and military establishment in Iran, which revolves around the Ayatollah Khamenei, wants to bring the presidency in line with the other power centres - the Revolutionary Guard, the Guardian Council, the judiciary and, of course, the Supreme Leader himself. So, don’t expect any surprises in Friday’s poll. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

BIDEN, PUTIN SIT FACE TO FACE IN MUCH-ANTICIPATED TALKS: It will be a moment of high-stakes diplomacy when Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin sit together today in Geneva with US-Russian relations being at an all-time low. The choice of Geneva, following long US-Russian negotiations, recalls the Cold War summit between US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the Swiss city in 1985. For four months, the two leaders have traded sharp rhetoric. Up to five hours of talks are planned, starting at around 1100 GMT, with no break for meals. Though officials from both countries keep expectations low for any breakthrough agreement, let’s hope this will be a starting point towards mending ties. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

UAE SETS THE STAGE FOR LIVE EVENTS ONCE AGAIN: It’s time to rejoice as the UAE opens its doors to live entertainment once again, with headliners such as singer Ragheb Alama, stand-up star Michael McIntyre and now comedian Russell Peters returning to these shores following the pandemic. With today’s announcement of Peters performing at Abu Dhabi’s newly opened Etihad Arena on Yas Island come September 17, those starved for live headline acts will probably be busy snapping up tickets online. While safety remains paramount, it feels good to return to some level of normalcy once again. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]