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The Battle for Mosul continues, with Iraqi forces pushing to recapture the west of Islamic State’s urban stronghold.
But could all this have been avoided in the first place? Pui Hang Wong traces the path from the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 to the current fight against violent extremists. He argues that even if Mosul is retaken, the same problems will arise in new forms without serious investments in community reconciliation between Sunni and Shia.
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Rapid response teams cross farmland in the battle to regain Mosul.
Zohra Bensemra/Reuters
Pui Hang Wong, United Nations University
Even when ISIS is defeated, unless different groups can repair their relationship, violent extremism will remain, and peace in Iraq will stay elusive.
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Politics + Society
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Franklin Ramírez, Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) - Ecuador
First-round voting confirmed that populist president Rafael Correa's AP movement is still Ecuador's most powerful political force. But the right is gaining strength.
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George Jiglau, Babes Bolyai University
Romania's ongoing protests against a bold move by the government to decriminalise corruption have highlighted greater social and political issues.
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Science + Technology
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Gillian Foulger, Durham University; Jon Gluyas, Durham University; Miles Wilson, Durham University
Can California's wet weather make earthquakes more likely? Scientists are still learning about what triggers these events. Even human activity can be a culprit.
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Michael Milford, Queensland University of Technology
Elon Musk has suggested we merge with machines so we're not replaced by them. But that might only delay the inevitable.
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Arts + Culture
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Natali Pearson, University of Sydney
Sunken World War II warships, the final resting place for thousands of sailors, have been disappearing in Indonesia. But so far there's been little action taken to ensure their protection.
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Environment + Energy
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Judith Masters, University of Fort Hare
Newly recognised genetic populations carry their evolutionary history with them, and the history of their habits. This is why detecting new species is so important.
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