The US, the UK and their coalition allies are spending billions of dollars on military operations against the Islamic State (Isil), and hundreds of millions on humanitarian aid to help people fleeing the militant group and the conflict.

As a result, Iraqi forces, backed by the coalition, are making faster progress than anyone expected in preparations to recapture Isil's stronghold in Iraq, the city of Mosul. But the funding dedicated to reconciliation efforts that might ensure that such recaptured areas can stay that way over the long term? As of July, just $1.5 million.

Now is the time to dedicate more attention and resources to making sure successful military and humanitarian assistance for Iraq isn’t squandered, requiring American, British and other international forces to return yet again in a few years because, while we might have helped Iraqis win the war, we failed to help them secure the peace. Britons and continental Europeans have seen the consequences: a flood of refugees from Iraq alongside other war-torn countries that is putting immense pressure on Europe and appears to have contributed to the Brexit decision.