From the Editors: UAE achieves new COVID-19 vaccine milestone

UAE hits new COVID-19 milestone: Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee has noted that only vaccinated people will be allowed to enter some public places in Abu Dhabi from August 20. The decision covers shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, gyms, recreational facilities, sporting activities, universities, schools and all other retail outlets not within shopping centres, except those selling essential goods such as supermarkets and pharmacies. The announcement comes after the UAE achieved a new milestone of administering 15 million doses and keep the top rank in the vaccine distribution rate globally. It is high time that all members of the society get their COVID-19 vaccine shot at the earliest and be part of the UAE’s effort to ensure a pandemic free society. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

BIDEN DRAWS BATTLELINES IN TUSSLE WITH IRAN: To get an idea of US President Joe Biden’s policy on Iran, one needs to look at Iraq, which has unfortunately become a battleground for Washington and Tehran, two of the country’s closest allies. With his strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Biden has drawn the battlelines as far as his policy towards Iran is concerned. Washington denies that this has nothing to do with the nuclear talks with Iran, but it is clear that the two issues are intertwined. The US wants to use the nuclear talks to also get other concessions out of Iran - primarily on its sophisticated ballistic missiles programme, and its support for regional militias which, in extreme cases like Lebanon, have emerged as states within states. However, there’s an elephant in the room: the risk of escalation. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

WORLD BRACES FOR HOTTER DAYS: A “heat dome” over western Canada and the US Pacific northwest sent temperatures soaring to new highs, triggering heat warnings from Oregon to Canada’s Arctic territories. Canada broke a national heat record when the temperature in a small town in British Columbia reached almost 46.6°C, breaking an 84-year-old record by nearly 3 degrees, with dangerously hot weather expected to continue. Residents in eastern Europe and parts of Siberia are struggling to cope with heatwaves sweeping across the region. Kuwait city’s Nawasib recorded 53.2°C, the highest temperature in the world for this year. Looks like the world is to witness some all-time temperature records. The extreme weather conditions certainly point to climate change, and the well-documented effects of human behaviour like carbon emissions on the planet. Governments must act now by setting targets to reduce methane emissions to confront climate change. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

AGONY FOR FRANCE AS EURO 2020 EXPLODES INTO LIFE: Kylian Mbappe missed the crucial penalty as world champions France were sent packing from Euro 2020 against Switzerland after a sensational 3-3 draw. The remarkable thing about Monday was that this was not the most dramatic of the two matches that took place. France’s demise was preceded by a sensational 5-3 extra-time victory for Spain over Croatia. Both France and Spain led 3-1 with 10 minutes to go, only to be pegged back to 3-3 by the Swiss and Croats respectively. From there the two matches went in opposite directions as France clung on to take it to penalties before their flop from the spot, while Spain dug into their reserves and found another gear to pull clear of Croatia. It was easily one of the most memorable nights in a major championship in history and this brilliant Euro 2020 looks set to serve up more thrillers as the competition progresses. On days like this, you have to feel sorry for those people who are not football fans. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

WHY BRITNEY SPEARS NEEDS THE SUPPORT: Ever since Britney Spears had her day in court and gave a testimony that was heart-wrenching and plain horrifying, the world hasn’t stopped opining on what they think is best for the singer. The latest person to speak out is none other than her sister Jamie Lynn Spears who posted an emotional video on Instagram where she backed her famous sibling, while addressing why she hadn’t spoken out earlier against the controversial court-induced conservatorship that put their father Jamie Spears in charge of Britney’s decisions and finances. Whether or not Jamie supported Britney in the past is water under the bridge. What the singer needs right now are allies and if you believe she’s on the right side, then leave the theatrics for another day and simply be there for your family.[ COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]