From the Editors: The UAE passport is now the strongest in the world

UAE’S STRONG SHOWING IN GLOBAL’ PASSPORT INDEX’ RANKINGS A VINDICATION OF ITS NATIONAL POLICIES: The UAE passport has emerged the biggest climber in the third quarter of this year in the latest ‘Passport Index’ of 199 countries that was released on Monday. The average global mobility score across all 199 states measured by the index is 89, based on a total of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access provided by countries. UAE has topped the index with a score of 152. Among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, UAE was the biggest gainer, climbing up four places to the top spot. This is a clear vindication of the people and business-friendly strategies adopted by the UAE leadership for decades. For a country that has always followed an open-door policy towards visitors and guests and welcomed the global business community with open arms, providing them with world-class facilities and infrastructure, the UAE is quite naturally among the most sought-after destinations on this planet for business, commerce, trade, tourism, health care and entertainment. The UAE’s ranking in the latest ‘Passport Index’ bears testimony to that. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

AFGHAN SECURITY SITUATION REMAINS TENUOUS WEEKS AFTER FALL OF KABUL: The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have intensified their crackdown against the Daesh affiliate in the country following a series of blasts that have killed several civilians and Taliban troops. The latest attack happened near the entrance of the Eidgah mosque in Kabul when a prayer ceremony was being held during the funeral of the mother of Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman. The prevailing security situation in Afghanistan doesn’t bode well for its new rulers, who have staked their reputation on providing foolproof safety and order. The repeated attacks being carried out by their Daesh enemies weakens Taliban claims about their ability to provide security. As things stand, the tumultuous situation in Afghanistan shows few signs of changing. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CLAUDIO RANIERI IS BACK IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE AND READY TO MOUNT AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE MORE MAGIC: Watford’s new manager has a tough task on his hands as the club are struggling and dismissed Xisco Munoz as coach at the weekend. Ranieri is no stranger to making the impossible possible, though, as he famously led lowly Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016. Can lightning strike twice? Unlikely, but with this opera-loving Italian, we never quite know how the story will unfold. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

BEAM HIM UP BLUE OROGIN: ACTOR WILLIAM SHATNER HEADS TO SPACE: In a week filled with headlines about a Bollywood star kid caught in a drug bust and the world coming to a standstill as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram came crashing down hard, it’s a joy to read about Hollywood actor William Shatner fulfilling a life-long wish to head into space. The 90-year-old has confirmed rumours that he will be a passenger aboard Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, which will launch on October 12. The ‘Star Trek’ alum, who has long explored the very depths of space as Captain James T. Kirk aboard the Starship Enterprise, has filled his Twitter timeline with news of his pending voyage with an almost childlike enthusiasm. His dream to boldly go where few have gone before is a well-deserved feat and Shatner will sure have tales to tell upon his return. So go on then, beam him up Blue Origin, you won’t have a more well-deserving passenger. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]