Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 376 Facebook posts trending on December 21, 2024, the primary narratives in Iraq were dominated by international sports, particularly the outcome of a major Spanish football match. Domestically, there was significant focus on the activities of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, including his inspection of key infrastructure projects and high-level diplomatic meetings. Political discourse also featured prominently, with coverage of meetings held by Sunni political leader Mohammed Al-Halbousi. Social issues garnered attention through a viral, emotional story about elder neglect, while public service concerns were highlighted in discussions about the ongoing electricity crisis linked to Iranian gas supplies.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Atlético Madrid’s Victory Over Barcelona Dominates Feeds

The most engaging topic across Iraqi Facebook was Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Spanish league. Pages like Al-Khowa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 100%) and Al Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 22%) reported the final score, noting that the win put Atlético Madrid at the top of the league. The tone of the coverage was mixed, with some pages celebrating the result while others, like Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 37%), playfully teased Barcelona fans about the “very, very painful” and “shocking” loss. Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 10%) described the outcome as Atlético Madrid “eliminating” Barcelona in the final seconds of the match.

2. PM Sudani Inspects Baghdad-Mosul Road Project

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s field visit to the Baghdad-Mosul entrance project was a major point of discussion. His official page, Al-Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 37%), reported that he stressed the project must be completed within 100 days and ordered all obstacles to be removed. Supporting this, Al-Khowa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 14%) noted that the Prime Minister and Baghdad Mayor Ammar Moussa visited to ensure work continues “24 hours a day.” Pages like Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 14%) shared before-and-after images of the road, which was previously nicknamed the “road of death,” highlighting the progress.

3. Al-Halbousi and Taqaddum Party Meet with Prime Minister Sudani

Mohammed Al-Halbousi, head of the Taqaddum Party, met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, an event covered by his official page and other news outlets. According to Mohammed Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 16%), the meeting, which included Taqaddum ministers, MPs, and governors, focused on unifying political efforts to support the government’s service and economic agenda. The statement emphasized Taqaddum’s support for the government in maintaining security and stability. The page Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 11%) also reported on the meeting, noting it took place after Al-Halbousi’s return from the United States.

4. Heartbreaking Story of Abandoned Mother in Nursing Home Goes Viral

A poignant story about an elderly woman abandoned by her children in a nursing home was widely shared, sparking emotional reactions. Pages such as Taraef Al-Alam bi’uyun Iraqia (Post Impact: 13%) and Alaa Batti (Post Impact: 10%) recounted a phone call detailed by Ali Al-Gharawi, the director of the nursing home. In the call, the woman’s children showed indifference to her poor health and, when she later passed away, they refused to answer calls or messages. The director and other “good people” ultimately arranged for her burial. The story was presented as “one of the ugliest things” heard, highlighting a tragic case of elder neglect.

5. Pages Criticize Militias for Prioritizing Foreign Agendas

A coordinated message critical of certain militias appeared on at least two different Facebook pages. Both Tele Iraq – Tele Iraq (Post Impact: 17%) and Tele Iraq – Tele Iraq Media (Post Impact: 15%) posted identical text and images, stating, “Their masters abandoned them, this is the price of serving foreign agendas.” The posts directly questioned the loyalty of these groups, asking, “Is this the fate of the militias that place Iran’s interests as their top priority at the expense of our people?” This narrative suggests a growing sentiment of discontent with perceived foreign influence over armed factions within Iraq.

6. Iraqi Football Fan ‘Sheikh of Supporters’ Goes Viral from Kuwait

A video shared by Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 56%), which garnered high engagement, featured Iraqi football supporter Mahdi Al-Karkhi in Kuwait. In the clip, Al-Karkhi passionately and proudly declares, “I am the sheikh of Iraqi fans.” The post captured the strong sense of identity and passion among the Iraqi national team’s fanbase, particularly those living abroad, and resonated widely as a display of national pride in the context of regional sports.

7. PM Sudani Receives Official Invitation to Visit Oman

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s diplomatic activities were highlighted, particularly his meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The Prime Minister’s official page, Al-Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 25%), reported that he received a written letter from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq inviting him for an official visit. The discussion also covered enhancing economic ties and regional developments in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 5%) page also covered the reception, reinforcing the message of strengthening bilateral relations.

8. Sunni Leaders Meet to Discuss Regional and National Issues

A meeting of Sunni political leaders took place at the headquarters of Taqaddum Party leader Mohammed Al-Halbousi to discuss regional and domestic issues. According to a statement released on Mohammed Al-Halbousi‘s page (Post Impact: 11%), the discussion focused on the recent events in Syria and their impact on the region. The leaders emphasized their support for the government and called for the full implementation of the political agreement, including passing a general amnesty law. The meeting was also reported by Al Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 9%), which noted the meeting was held to study the current situation in the region.

9. Pages Share Images of Iraqi Soldiers in Harsh Border Conditions

Facebook pages highlighted the difficult conditions for Iraqi soldiers stationed on the Iraq-Syria border. Telskope Iraq (Post Impact: 26%) shared a striking photo taken by an army captain showing a soldier under a “star-studded sky and freezing cold.” In a similar vein, Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 10%) posted a picture of “our heroes from the Iraqi border.” These posts served to honor the service of the Iraqi military and draw attention to the challenging environment in which they operate to secure the country’s frontiers.

10. Electricity Shortages Blamed on Halt in Iranian Gas Supply

The ongoing electricity crisis was a topic of concern, with pages linking the problem directly to a halt in gas supplies from Iran. Kuluna Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 5%), citing the Ministry of Electricity’s spokesperson Ahmed Mousa, reported that Iran requested an additional two-week suspension for maintenance, leading to a complete cutoff of gas to Baghdad and the central Euphrates region. The page Min Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 4%) also reported that the Ministry of Electricity had informed citizens that Iran had indicated gas pumping would resume in 10 days, leaving the public with continued uncertainty about power supplies.