Iraq’s parliament speaker pushes to revive compulsory military service

BAGHDAD — Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi announced Wednesday he is adopting a proposed compulsory military service law and intends to present it to parliament, following a visit to the Ministry of Defense where he met the army chief of staff and senior commanders.

Al-Halbousi described conscription as “a strategic option” to strengthen the military and build “a disciplined force capable of carrying out national responsibilities,” saying the proposal aims to prepare a generation with “discipline, awareness and responsibility” and direct youth toward organized work. He said the proposal follows consultations with parliamentary bloc leaders and would proceed through the legislative process.

Military conscription was abolished in Iraq in 2003 when the U.S.-led coalition disbanded the army following the invasion, shifting the country to a fully volunteer military system. All adult males had previously been required to serve.