It is too early to celebrate the victory in Mosul (‘World’ page – “Iraq Prime Minister declares victory in ‘liberated’ Mosul”, July 10). Iraq and Afghanistan are totally different terrains. In Afghanistan, NATO celebrated the fall of the Taliban, but today, large parts of Afghanistan are still under its control. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi should now ensure that the Islamic State does not regroup. He should win the confidence of the people of Mosul and rebuild the city immediately — medical aid, food and other humanitarian help should reach them forthwith. Most importantly, the Iraqis should acknowledge the true aspirations of the Kurdish people. We should not forget their sacrifice in liberating one of Iraq’s largest cities.
T. Anand Raj,
Chennai
The liberation of Mosul is one of the most exciting pieces of news this year. It is a serious blow to the dreaded organisation which nursed its pet dream of forming “a caliphate”. The focus now should be on relief and rehabilitation especially as women and children have been affected the most, having been subject to extreme violence, cruelty and deep fear. There needs to be trust rebuilt between communities which will be a crucial step in helping prevent the recurrence of such terrible developments.
C.A.C. Murugappan,
Kothamangalam, Tamil Nadu
