Historic victory but vigilance warranted

Jordan joined other countries in congratulating Iraq for its declared military victory   over Daesh and for having liberated all remaining swath of Iraqi territories from the terrorist group. 

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Mohammed Momani issued a statement on this occasion on Sunday praising the efforts exerted by the Iraqi armed forces in countering the "heinous group" and sparing the country from its criminal acts.

The Daesh defeat comes after three years of warfare albeit at a high cost in terms of human life and material destruction. 

Yet a victory is a victory even when achieved at a high cost. 

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi declared this triumph last Saturday which he described as having been achieved "through our unity and our determination". Daesh had taken control of large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 and declared a short-lived cross-border "caliphate". 

Since then, Iraq had taken the bull by the horns and launched its determined military efforts to uproot this evil power from the country. Slowly, but surely, every inch of Iraq was eventually liberated and now Iraqis can be proud of finally getting rid of Daesh. 

Iraq held a military parade in Baghdad on Sunday to celebrate this historic victory. Yet the danger from Daesh continues to haunt the country through its "sleeper cells" scattered across the country. 

Many observers view Daesh as a cancerous threat that conquering its outward signs may not obliterate its silent presence and threat. 

The head of the coalition forces in Iraq Lieutenant General Paul E. Funk II warned on Sunday in a carefully worded statement   that the apparent victory could be short-lived if Iraq does not maintain its vigilance. 

"Much work remains, and we will continue to work by, with and through our Iraqi partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and prevent its ability to threaten civilisation, regionally and globally," said General Funk. The US State Department has also cautioned on this occasion that the war against terrorism "is not over" yet! 

To be sure, Iraq's military victory was made possible by the US-led coalition’s efforts. And in retrospect, Iraqi military success alone does not eliminate dangers from the enemies of Iraq. 

Military victory needs to assume wider and deeper dimensions, including political and economic efforts, in order to render a lasting victory. 

Iraq has a lot more to do to cement its military victory by launching extensive political and economic reforms, and above all, embark on national reconciliation campaigns between the various ethnic and religious groups in the country. Otherwise the visible signs of victory may not endure the test of times.