Based on an analysis of 458 Facebook posts trending on December 9, 2024, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online conversations in Iraq. The most prominent theme was the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, with pages discussing its implications for Iraq, Iran, and the broader region. Another highly engaged topic was a statement from Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi, a figure associated with Muqtada al-Sadr, urging Iraqis to avoid strife and violence. Concurrently, many official and public pages commemorated the seventh anniversary of Iraq’s Victory Day over ISIS, highlighting national unity and the sacrifices of security forces. Discussions also covered the discovery of long-held prisoners in Syrian jails, local infrastructure projects like the opening of a new bridge in Baghdad, and political tensions between Iraqi figures.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Reactions to the Fall of the Assad Regime in Syria

Iraqi Facebook pages are heavily focused on the recent collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, with commentary ranging from satirical analysis to serious political discussion. The popular page Albasheer show – albasheer show (Post Impact: 67%) shared a video analyzing the events in Syria and Lebanon. Page Set Ashwaq Umm Al-Qanouniya (Post Impact: 16%) noted that even Manal al-Assad, wife of Maher al-Assad, appeared to support the change by posting the new Syrian flag, speculating she was upset with her in-laws. Commentators like Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 9%) observed that Iranian media rhetoric was rapidly shifting to abandon its long-time ally Assad, stating this is the fate of all who align with Iran for its own interests. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 2%) echoed this, pointing out that Iran is the only nation saddened by the events in Syria, highlighting a perceived opposition between Arab interests and those of Iran.

2. Saleh Al-Iraqi’s Call to Avoid Sedition and Violence

A widely circulated statement attributed to Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi, known as “Wazir al-Qaid” (The Leader’s Minister) and associated with Muqtada al-Sadr, called on Iraqis to maintain peace and stability. The page Wazir al-Qaid (Post Impact: 100%) published the full message, which warns that some actors, both internal and external, will try to spread sedition and insecurity for their own interests. The statement urges citizens to “preserve Iraq, its sanctities, and its reputation” and to renounce all violence. It specifically advises followers to consult with the “blessed Hawza” before taking any action and disavows anyone who acts otherwise. The message concludes by calling for Iraqis to engage in repentance, fasting, and strengthening social—not political—relations among all communities. The statement was also shared by the Saraya al-Salam – Central Media Directorate (Post Impact: 2%).

3. Discovery of Prisoners in Syria’s Sednaya Prison

A humanitarian story gaining traction concerns the discovery of prisoners in Syria’s infamous Sednaya prison following the fall of the Assad regime. Multiple pages shared the news of Jordanian detainee Osama al-Batayneh being found alive. Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 23%) reported that al-Batayneh’s first words were that he had been imprisoned since the era of Gamal Abdel Nasser. Another page, Taraef Al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (Post Impact: 7%), added that al-Batayneh was detained in 1986 at the age of 18 and emerged at 56, having lost his memory due to severe torture. Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 2%) also circulated the story. Additionally, Markaz Al-Iraqi Al-Khabari (Post Impact: 2%) shared the harrowing account of a female prisoner who was jailed at 19 and released at 32 with three children whose fathers she does not know.

4. Iraq Commemorates 7th Anniversary of Victory Day Over ISIS

Iraqi officials and institutions commemorated the seventh anniversary of Victory Day, marking the liberation of all Iraqi territories from ISIS. The official page of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 11%) and his Media Office (Post Impact: 3%) released a statement paying tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and the wounded. The PM’s speech emphasized that this victory affirmed the importance of national unity and that Iraq is now focused on reconstruction. The speech also addressed the events in Syria, calling on the international community to respect the Syrian people’s will. MP Mohammed Nuri Aziz (Post Impact: 9%) attributed the “real Victory Day” to the fatwa of the supreme religious authority in 2014, which mobilized Iraqis. The International Coalition (Post Impact: 5%) released a documentary celebrating a decade of partnership with Iraq against ISIS. Statements were also issued by the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) (Post Impact: 2%) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Post Impact: 5%).

5. Concerns Over Iranian Influence and Regional Security

Following events in Syria, several pages discussed Iran’s regional influence and its potential impact on Iraq. Min Baghdad+ (Post Impact: 20%), quoting analyst Issam Hussein on Dijla TV, stated that Iraq serves as a “cash box” for Iran to revive its economy, with Tehran confident that the Syrian scenario will not be repeated in Iraq. Journalist Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 17%) claimed there are four Iraqi factions operating under Iranian administration, with a potential fifth one emerging. On a related security note, Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 11%) reported a statement from the U.S. State Department pledging to support Iraq and Jordan against any potential threats coming from Syria.

6. Situation at Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine in Damascus

The status of the Sayyidah Zaynab shrine in Damascus is a topic of interest, with pages sharing updates to reassure followers. Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 16%) and Baghdad (Post Impact: 7%) shared videos and images showing pilgrims performing prayers and visitation rituals at the shrine, highlighting a sense of normalcy. In a related post, media personality Najim Alrubaiai (Post Impact: 16%) shared a video of a leader in the Syrian revolution who was reportedly “singing the praises of Sayyidah Zaynab and the Ahl al-Bayt,” a point shared to possibly ease sectarian concerns about the new forces in control.

7. Political Accusations Between Mustafa Sanad and Mohammed Al-Dayni

A political feud has erupted on Facebook, initiated by MP Mustafa Sanad against former MP Mohammed al-Dayni. Mustafa Sanad – Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 20%) launched a direct attack on al-Dayni, calling him “a sectarian whose hands are stained with the blood of the innocent and the money of the poor, and the properties of Baghdad.” Sanad warned al-Dayni against stirring up tensions, stating, “Why do you awaken the dragon in people’s chests? This time, no one will protect you.” Journalist Muna Sami (Post Impact: 2%) supported these claims by sharing an article with documents allegedly detailing al-Dayni’s seizure of homes belonging to former officials Saber al-Douri and Saad al-Faisal.

8. Opening of Al-Fadhila Bridge in Baghdad

The official opening of the Al-Fadhila bridge in Baghdad was celebrated by several pro-government and local news pages as a significant achievement. Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 8%) noted that while many expected such projects to take over a decade, this bridge was completed in about a year and a half. The page also challenged skeptics, stating, “There were people who swore by Abbas that this bridge would not be completed,” and affirmed that all remaining projects will be finished by July 2025. The opening was also announced by Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) and Iraq Projects – Mashari’ Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 3%), which shared a video of the newly opened bridge.

9. Sadrist Movement Provides Humanitarian Aid in Lebanon

The private office of Muqtada al-Sadr is promoting its humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, which are aimed at supporting displaced families. The page The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 7%) shared a video of the “Al-Sadr Family Guesthouse” in Nabatieh continuing its services by providing food and essential supplies to displaced people. A second post from the same page (Post Impact: 6%) highlighted the dispatch of an aid convoy carrying mattresses, blankets, and food items as part of the humanitarian initiative launched by al-Sadr to assist those affected by the situation in Lebanon.

10. Ministry Announces Free Internet for Schools

The Ministry of Communications announced a new initiative to provide free internet service to schools across Iraq, a move widely reported by local news pages. Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 6%) was among the first to report the news. The announcement was also shared by Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 3%) and Baghdad (Post Impact: 2%), which framed the initiative as an effort by the Minister of Communications to support the educational process in the country.