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With the death of terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State (IS) militant group, common sense might suggest that the world has become much safer. There is no guarantee, however, that this will be the case. Greg Barton writes that while IS has been dealt an enormous blow, lessons from the past two decades could indicate that it will not be a fatal one. For her part, Natasha Lindstaedt argues that it may be too early to celebrate Baghdadi’s death, but his passing could ultimately signal the demise of the vicious terror group.
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Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may not be irreplaceable, but in many respects he was uniquely suited to the times in which he led.
AAP/EPA/ al Furqan ISIS media wing handout
Greg Barton, Deakin University
How much the leader's death might hinder the reemergence of IS greatly depends on how quickly its next leaders can be tracked down and dealt with.
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Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Islamic State video/EPA
Natasha Lindstaedt, University of Essex
From US captive to head of Islamic State, the life of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who died in Syria.
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Environment + Energy
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Mike Muller, University of the Witwatersrand
South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation has plans in place to ensure adequate water supply until 2040 and beyond.
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Darío Fernández-Bellon, University College Cork
Researchers have tracked how viewers respond to nature documentaries – and the lasting digital impression they leave.
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Science + Technology
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Toby Cubitt, UCL
Quantum computers aren't about to take over, but this is an important milestone.
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Adam Osth, University of Melbourne
The 'contexual-binding theory' suggests memories are easier to retrieve when your brain is in a similar context to when the memory was first formed. Food for thought if you're cramming for an exam.
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Health + Medicine
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Neel Shah, Harvard Medical School
Childbirth used to be a terrifying ordeal. But women were surrounded by others – mothers, aunts, sisters – who brought love and experience. But midway through the 19th century, this changed.
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Lizzy Ostler, University of Brighton
Has the chemistry of ageing come of age?
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