Three years ago, the Islamic State (IS) captured Mosul, the hub of its Caliphate. The city has now been liberated by Iraqi forces. The IS loss is significant. Mosul with a population of 1.5 million is the second largest city in Iraq. Its capture established the IS as a formidable force and it stood for the fall of an ideology dating back to the 12th century. It was here that Abu Baker al Baghdadi, the IS leader declared the setting up of his Caliphate. From Mosul, the IS traded in oil with neighbouring countries and inaugurated its reign of terror. Al Baghdadi is now reported to be dead which has decimated the strength of the terrorists. A battle had been on for nine months to liberate Mosul. A US led international coalition helped the Iraqi forces in their struggle against the IS. In the process Iraq lost about 1000 men. But now the IS does not occupy even an inch of Iraqi territory.
It is only the beginning. A war has to be carried on against the Islamic fanaticism of the IS. The IS has spread its wings worldwide. The outfits in different countries will now be out to avenge the defeat of Mosul. IS terror has hit France, Germany, Belgium and the UK. Indonesia claims that there are 1200 IS fighters in the Philippines. Fifty or so IS recruits are reported to be in India. IS brainwashing is common. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi should go for power sharing and make friends with the Sunnis to wipe out the IS. Reconstruction in the liberated areas should also begin in right earnest.
