Based on its analysis of 534 X / Twitter posts, Miqrab AI found that on December 23, 2024, the primary narrative in Iraq revolved around the recent political changes in Syria, with many users drawing parallels and expressing hope for similar changes in Iraq. Other major topics included the discovery of a new mass grave from the Ba’athist era in Samawa, sparking renewed condemnation of the former regime, and a robust debate over the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), fueled by a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Discussions also centered on the public appearance of militia leader Qais Khazali, which dispelled rumors of his death, and growing concerns over freedom of expression following the dismissal of journalists for their social media posts.

Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:

1. Syria’s New Leadership Sparks Hope and Debate in Iraq

The recent change in leadership in Syria dominated conversations, with many Iraqi accounts expressing admiration for the new Syrian leaders and hope for similar change in Iraq. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 100%) shared an image of Damascus’s streets under its new leadership, commenting on their beauty and linking it to the Tishreen revolution. Mujtahid Iraq (Post Impact: 27%) praised Ahmed al-Sharaa for “cleansing Syria” and suggested that Iraq is next. Similarly, Hassan Al-Kaabi (Post Impact: 21%) posted a contrasting image of al-Sharaa, commenting on his transformation. Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 20%) criticized some Egyptian commentators for not understanding the extent of Iran’s influence and militias in both Iraq and Syria. The broader sentiment, as noted by Laqaa Maki (Post Impact: 6%), is that the Arab world is moving towards accepting the new Syrian reality, while Iraq and Lebanon lag behind, partly for sectarian reasons.

2. Discovery of Mass Grave from Ba’ath Regime Era

The discovery of a new mass grave in the Samawa desert containing the remains of Kurdish civilians, including women and children, has prompted widespread condemnation of the former Ba’ath regime. Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al Sudani (Post Impact: 17%) issued a statement describing the find as another piece of evidence of the “heinous crimes of the ousted regime” and the suffering endured by the Iraqi people under its “racist brutality.” Al-Shabandar (Post Impact: 8%) directed a question to Saddam Hussein’s family, asking if this is the legacy of the “hero of mass graves” they boast about. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 4%) offered condolences to the Kurdish people and their families, stating that Iraq deserves a government that protects its citizens’ lives. Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 2%) framed the discovery in the context of current sectarian tensions, arguing it is used by the Shia component to punish the Sunni component, thus justifying the Sunni call for a separate region.

3. Debate Over the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)

The role and future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, was a major topic of discussion, fueled by a statement from an Iranian official. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 17%) highlighted a comment from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei, who stated that dissolving the PMF is an “internal Iraqi matter,” which Al-Maliki interpreted as Iran officially disowning the group. Conversely, accounts like Huruf Sumeria (Post Impact: 11%) defended the PMF, calling it “the blessed tree” supported by God’s servants and opposed by His enemies. Other posts raised concerns about the PMF’s actions, with Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 8%) recalling past instances of sectarian violence by militias and Hiba Alnnaayib (Post Impact: 7%) sharing a video allegedly showing PMF “gangs” threatening a lawyer.

4. Qais Khazali Appears in Karbala, Dispelling Rumors

Following days of speculation about his fate, Qais Khazali, the leader of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq militia, appeared publicly in Karbala. Multiple accounts shared videos and images of his visit to the holy shrines, putting an end to rumors that he had been killed or seriously injured in an airstrike. Mazen Al-Zaidi (Post Impact: 8%) and Emad Al Musafir (Post Impact: 5%) both reported on Khazali performing pilgrimage rituals. Supporters mocked the rumors, with Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 8%) writing, “Didn’t they say Sheikh Qais Khazali is dead? Here he is today, alive. Die in your rage, Ba’athists.” Another pro-Khazali account, Huruf Sumeria (Post Impact: 7%), shared a clip of a woman asking Khazali to make a public statement to prove he is alive, “to spite Fajr Al-Saeed.”

5. Concerns Over Freedom of Expression Amid Journalists’ Dismissal

The dismissal of journalist Saleh Al-Hamadani from the Iraqi Media Network over a social media post about events in Syria has triggered a wave of concern regarding freedom of expression. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 3%) condemned the move, stating “muzzling mouths has become a disgrace for this government and this system,” comparing the authorities’ actions to those of the Ba’ath regime. Mujahid Al-Taie (Post Impact: 2%) expressed solidarity with Al-Hamadani, arguing that suppressing journalists is a hallmark of “failed repressive regimes.” Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 2%) noted his own dismissal from a university for similar reasons and shared a court document from a case filed against him by the Prime Minister’s office, appealing to international human rights organizations.

6. Muqtada al-Sadr Meets Families of Slain Hezbollah Leaders

Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with the families of deceased Hezbollah leaders in Najaf. Accounts such as Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 3%) and Safaa Al-Asadi (Post Impact: 2%) shared photos of the meeting, emphasizing that the families of “resistance martyrs in Lebanon” were honored by the visit. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 2%) provided more specific details, identifying one of the families as belonging to the daughter of Ibrahim Aqil, a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force who was killed in an Israeli strike in September. The meeting took place at the families’ residence while they were in Najaf.

7. Student Arrested for Pro-ISIS Graffiti in Baghdad

Several accounts reported on the arrest of a student in Baghdad’s Za’franiya district for writing pro-ISIS slogans on the walls of his school. The motive, according to the posts, was an attempt to get exams postponed. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 3%) described the act as “ill-considered” and expressed hope that security forces would understand the young man’s motives and release him. Abu Darandash Al-Askari (Post Impact: 2%) linked the incident to the persistent threat of “sleeper cells.” Later, Haider (Post Impact: 2%) shared a video confirming the arrest of the individual responsible for the graffiti.

8. Clashes Reported Involving Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)

Military developments in Syria were also a focus, with reports of clashes involving the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Dr. Haider Al-Barzanji (Post Impact: 3%) reported that SDF forces had reached the entrances of Manbij from several directions, with an estimated 6,000 fighters participating in the military operation. The post also mentioned that the SDF was controlling the airspace with “Brusk” and “Baz” drones. In a separate incident, Mazen Al-Zaidi (Post Impact: 2%) shared footage released by the SDF showing the targeting of tanks belonging to the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army near the Tishrin Dam, where battles have been ongoing.

9. Hoshyar Zebari and Al-Halbousi in Legal Dispute

A political and legal conflict between senior Kurdish politician Hoshyar Zebari and former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi was noted in several posts. Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 4%) questioned the motives behind Zebari’s sharp attack on Al-Halbousi and its connection to the latter’s recent visit to Washington, hinting at “dangerous” behind-the-scenes information. In his own post, Hoshyar Zebari (Post Impact: 3%) acknowledged that Al-Halbousi was suing him over a political tweet, calling it his natural right. However, Zebari expressed confidence that the judiciary is aware of the political climate and cannot be politicized, stating, “we all resort to the judiciary and we have enough evidence on the matter.”

10. Central Bank Abruptly Halts Dollar Transfer Platform

Economic news focused on the Central Bank of Iraq’s sudden decision to stop its currency transfer platform. Omar Abdul Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 3%) announced the official halt of the platform on December 23, 2024. Analyst Ziad Al-Hashemi (Post Impact: 1%) described the move as unprofessional and lacking transparency, as it was done without an official announcement or consideration for market interests. He speculated that the lack of an announcement might be a way for the bank to test the market’s reaction or to backtrack on the decision if the dollar exchange rate rises uncontrollably.