JAVEE: Why the Offensive against ISIS in Mosul Could Be a Disaster.

The flash appeal noted that the UN needed the $284 million at least two and a half months before the initiation of the assault to enable them to set up the [refugee] camps. Yet according to recent reports U.S. military officials believe the Iraqi government could order the beginning of the attack before the end of next month. Even if the UNOCHA got all the funds tomorrow, it is virtually assured that they won’t be ready to care for the expected hundreds of thousands of refugees when the fighting begins in earnest.

It is understandable that the Iraqi government wants to wrest control of Mosul from the Islamic State, but it is important that they not be impatient. If the operations begin before UN and local authorities are ready to receive and care for that many displaced persons, Mr. Mustafa’s worries of a humanitarian catastrophe could be realized.

Mosul was largely at peace and part of a functional Iraqi state on January 20, 2009.