Mosul — Life After Conflict

I worked with a humanitarian NGO in Iraq during and after the occupation by ISIS of large swathes of Syria and Iraq. By the time I arrived mid 2015, the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was completely inaccessible - and indeed difficult to flee from either for all the Moslawis trapped there by ISIS fighters.

When a coalition of western states supported Iraqi forces in the battle to re-take Mosul, and ultimately completely recaptured the city in the summer of 2017, I was in the city in the very early days thereafter. I remember well being the only car driving around - incredible when you are stuck in a traffic jam these days!

Despite the huge devastation of the city, both physically as well as from a human life cost perspective, once the city approach roads were cleared of rubble, temporary bridges erected over the River Tigris, thousands returned to literally pick up the pieces.

I have been privileged to witness the incredible resilience shown by so many amazing people.

Here are some of my favourites.