In this paper, we review joint sparse recovery based reconstruction approach for inverse scattering problems that can solve the nonlnear inverse scattering probleme without linearization or iterative Green's function update. The main idea is to exploit the common support conditions of anomalies during multiple illumination or current injections, after which unknown potential or field can be estimated using recursive integral equation relationship. Explicit derivation for electric impedance tomography and diffuse optical tomography are discussed.