The government has allowed more than 5,000 members of the former army which the U.S. had disbanded to return to service. The move comes as part of government efforts to deny rebels and the al-Qaeda group the means to use popular discontent as a means to raise recruits.It is the largest single batch of former army members to be allowed to return to service and it signals the government is finally keen to appease Arab Sunnis. The batch which includes many officers will certainly make the city notables among them tribal leaders happy.
A Defence Ministry spokesman said the members “volunteered to join the armed forces” and that the government was pleased with the move. “The return of this large group of members and officers will boost the strength of the armed forces,” Lt. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari said.
The move also indicates that the government campaign to pacify Mosul, one of the most restive cities in the country, has been going well.
Analysts said the government in this campaign was not solely relying on military force but also trying to respond to popular demands for better services and new approach and policy.