After fall of ISIS, Iraq's cities in ruins, little cash to rebuild

Residents in the Iraqi city of Mosul are returning home to devastation following the defeat of the Islamic State group in Iraq. Facing billions in construction costs and decades of rebuilding, the source of financial aid remains uncertain. (Photo | AP)

So far no one is offering to foot the bill. The Trump administration has told the Iraqis it won’t pay for a massive reconstruction drive. Iraq hopes Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries will step up, and Iran may also take a role. The U.N. is repairing some infrastructure in nearly two dozen towns and cities around Iraq, but funding for it is a fraction of what will be needed. (Photo | AP)

Iraqi man wearing a Santa Claus suit walks amid destroyed houses and shops in an attempt to bring joy to children whose homes were destroyed during the war to liberate Mosul from Islamic state militants. (Photo | AP)

A young construction worker smiles during a break as he rebuilds a destroyed shop in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq. The U.N. estimates around 40,000 homes will need to be rebuilt or restored in Mosul. (Photo | AP)

shop keeper Zyad Mohammed Ali, walks inside a damaged spa in the Old City of Mosul, Iraq. The scope of destruction in the neighborhood is comparable to some of the worst urban battles of World War II. (Photo | AP)