Iraq’s parliament to hold first reading of mandatory military service bill Sunday

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s parliament will hold a first reading of a proposed mandatory military service law during its session Sunday, marking the initial stage of legislative review of a bill that would revive conscription abolished more than two decades ago.

Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi announced Wednesday he is adopting the proposed 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.

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.