Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 392 Facebook posts trending on December 15, 2024, the primary narratives in Iraq centered on a mix of domestic politics, security developments, and high-engagement sports news. The most viral story was FC Barcelona’s surprising loss in the Spanish league, which generated widespread discussion and reactions. In politics, Muqtada al-Sadr’s issuance of new directives and disciplinary actions within Saraya al-Salam was a major topic, alongside government measures to crack down on mutiny within security forces in Anbar. Economic and social issues also featured prominently, including an MP exposing pension fraud by a man previously thought to be missing, and Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s push to finalize appointments for university graduates. Other key conversations included security incidents like a bombing in Baghdad, a severe polar weather wave affecting the country, and social news concerning local celebrities.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. FC Barcelona Suffers Shocking Defeat to Leganés

The most viral story on Iraqi Facebook was the unexpected defeat of FC Barcelona by Leganés with a single goal in the Spanish league. The page Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 100%) announced the result, generating massive engagement. Other pages, including Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 15%) and Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 8%), also reported the loss, with the latter noting it “brings Real Madrid closer to the top.” The satirical page Set Ashwaq Umm al-Qanouniya (Post Impact: 30%) mocked fans of the team, humorously questioning how they would now hide their faces in public after the embarrassing defeat.

2. Muqtada al-Sadr Issues Directives for Saraya al-Salam

Muqtada al-Sadr, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), issued new instructions for the group’s members. The news was shared by his official page, The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 45%). In a related post, the same page announced (Post Impact: 31%) that it would begin accepting public complaints regarding Saraya al-Salam through a dedicated phone number, implementing Sadr’s directives. These moves toward internal reform were accompanied by disciplinary actions, as Saraya al-Salam’s Central Media Directorate (Post Impact: 9%) published a list of expelled members for actions described as “contrary to Sharia and love of the homeland.”

3. MP Exposes Pension Fraud of “Disappeared” Man

Independent MP Mustafa Sanad revealed a case of pension fraud involving a man named Nazhan Mahdi al-Lahibi, who had been receiving a pension as a “disappeared person.” In a widely circulated post, Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 49%) stated that, in coordination with the Pension Authority, the man’s salary was cut after he appeared with militants in Syria. Sanad added that an investigation was opened to recover the funds that had been wrongfully paid. Commentator Salim Mashkour (Post Impact: 6%) also commented on the case, sarcastically questioning, “How many ‘disappeared’ are there like this grotesque figure?” The story highlighted issues of corruption and exploitation of state funds.

4. Disciplinary Action Against Mutinous Forces in Anbar

The Ministry of Interior took decisive action against security personnel in Anbar who were involved in acts of mutiny and disobedience. Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 31%) reported that the ministry is confronting the mutiny with “severe judicial rulings,” including imprisonment and dismissal from service for the rioters. The page Khabar Ajeal (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 5%) specified that the sentences included “severe imprisonment for a period of three years and six months” for those who caused chaos at Camp Taji after refusing military orders. Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 5%) also shared the news, confirming the expulsion of the instigators.

5. PM Sudani Advances Appointments for Graduates

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani chaired a meeting focused on finalizing the appointment procedures for holders of higher degrees, top students, and medical and health professionals. The Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister (Post Impact: 24%) reported that Al-Sudani directed the Ministry of Finance to adopt the latest lists from the Federal Service Council to complete the second wave of appointments. The Prime Minister’s office also shared a video of the meeting (Post Impact: 10%). The directive also included resolving vacant positions in the Ministry of Health to continue appointing graduates from medical and pharmacy colleges, addressing a long-standing demand from unemployed graduates.

6. Polar Weather Wave Sweeps Across Iraq

A severe polar weather wave gripped Iraq, bringing freezing temperatures to several parts of the country. Telescope Iraq (Post Impact: 22%) described the scene, stating, “Like the North Pole ❄️ The polar mass is consuming all of Iraq now.” The page Diyala TV (Post Impact: 4%) noted that five provinces, including Diyala, were experiencing sub-zero temperatures. In a related post, Baghdad (Post Impact: 2%) shared an image of a halo around the moon in Nineveh, attributing the phenomenon to ice crystals in the atmosphere caused by the cold.

7. Masoud Barzani on the Status of Kurds in Syria

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani’s statement regarding the political situation in Syria attracted significant attention. According to Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 23%), Barzani welcomed a statement from Ahmed al-Sharaa, a key figure in the new Syrian authorities, which described the Kurdish people as an integral part of Syria’s future. Barzani was quoted as saying, “We welcome Mr. ‘Ahmed al-Sharaa’s’ description of the Kurdish people as part of the homeland and a partner in the future of Syria.” This development was framed as a positive step towards recognizing Kurdish rights and partnership in the post-conflict political landscape of Syria.

8. Explosion Targets Vehicle in Baghdad

An explosion was reported in the Al-Shaab area of Baghdad, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 15%) was among the first to report the incident, stating the IED was placed under a vehicle in the Tujjar neighborhood. Al-Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 5%) also reported hearing a “violent explosion” in the area. In a follow-up post, Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 5%) added that the targeted vehicle belonged to an employee of the Ministry of Electricity named Anas S.K.

9. Artist Ghaith Sabah’s Engagement Comes to an End

The personal life of Iraqi artist Ghaith Sabah became a topic of discussion after he and his fiancée, Maryam, announced the end of their engagement. The page Klecha (Post Impact: 15%) reported the news, attributing the announcement to Maryam. Meanwhile, the page Shaar Banat (Girls’ Poetry) (Post Impact: 8%) noted that Ghaith Sabah had also confirmed the breakup through a story on his own social media, adding a sarcastic comment to his female fans: “Are you happy now, girls?”

10. Police Units Deployed to Syrian Border for Co-living Duty

Several provincial police commands announced the deployment of their personnel to the Iraqi-Syrian border for a “co-living” duty to support the border guard forces. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 3%) shared a video of the Maysan police command sending its first contingent. Similarly, the Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 3%) posted about the first group from the Wasit police heading to western Iraq. The page Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 5%) showed the Najaf Police Commander bidding farewell to his officers, telling them to call him if their families need anything while they are away on duty.