Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 409 Facebook posts trending on December 26, 2024, the primary narrative dominating Iraqi social media is the high-level diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new leadership. Discussions revolved around an official visit by Iraq’s intelligence chief to meet Ahmed al-Jolani, sparking a wide range of reactions from praise for pragmatic diplomacy to sharp criticism. Domestically, key topics included Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s meeting with the Accountability and Justice Commission to address the legacy of the former regime, announcements of upcoming army recruitment, and progress on major infrastructure projects in Baghdad. Other significant conversations focused on public disappointment with the national football team’s performance, the expansion of Iraq’s fiber optic network, and regional political tensions.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Iraqi Intelligence Chief Meets New Syrian Leader Al-Jolani

The most significant story of the day was the meeting between a high-level Iraqi delegation, led by National Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, and the new Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Jolani in Damascus. Multiple pages, including Al-Khwa Al-Nazifa (Post Impact: 66%) and Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 3%), reported that the discussion focused on border security and stabilizing the region. The meeting generated mixed reactions, with some pages like Yalla (Post Impact: 2%) detailing the debate online between those who saw it as a pragmatic step and others who viewed it as a compromise. In a satirical take, MP Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 38%) posted an image from the meeting with the caption, “The Iraqi Intelligence Service arrests the wanted Abu Muhammad al-Jolani.”

2. Criticism of the Iraqi National Football Team

Following a recent loss, the Iraqi national football team was the subject of public criticism and disappointment on Facebook. The page Maraya (Post Impact: 26%) shared a sharp critique from analyst Mohammed Al-Otaibi, who described the team as a “luxury car without a driver!” This statement suggests that while the team has talented players, it lacks effective leadership and strategy. Echoing the sentiment of frustrated fans, Muhammad Nasser Khalif Muhammad Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 20%) posted a video with the simple caption, “Everyone says we lost,” capturing the widespread feeling of defeat among the public.

3. PM Al-Sudani Discusses De-Ba’athification Policies

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s activities were highlighted, particularly his meeting with the head and members of the National Supreme Commission for Accountability and Justice. As reported on the Prime Minister’s official page, Al-Mahندس Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani (Post Impact: 18%), the discussion focused on the commission’s role in transitional justice and addressing the crimes of the former Ba’ath regime. Al-Sudani instructed the commission to submit a comprehensive report on its progress and remaining duties, emphasizing the government’s continued vigilance against any resurgence of the dissolved Ba’ath Party. The Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 2%) also covered the official meeting.

4. Iraqi Army Announces Recruitment and Promotions

Military-focused pages announced upcoming opportunities and developments within the Iraqi Army. Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 18%) reported that the army will soon open volunteer applications, specifically hoping that individuals born in the 1990s, who were overlooked in previous recruitment drives, would be included. In a related update, the same page noted that the Minister of Defense convened a meeting to discuss the promotion of officers scheduled for January 2025. Citing the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, Markaz al-Iraqi al-Khabari (Post Impact: 4%) stated that the army is in need of 30,000 new volunteers.

5. Viral Video of Anbar Man’s Million-Dollar Catch

A human-interest story posted by Al-I’lami Qahtan Adnan (Post Impact: 100%) became the single most engaging post of the day. The video clip, from his program “With Different Opinions,” features a story about a man from Anbar province who allegedly made a catch worth one million dollars. The ambiguous and enticing caption, “Son of Anbar caught something worth a million dollars.. see what he caught,” created significant buzz and curiosity, driving the video’s viral spread across the platform.

6. New Hospital and Infrastructure Projects in Baghdad

Several pages celebrated the imminent opening of Al-Shaab General Hospital and other major infrastructure projects in Baghdad. The Baghdad page (Post Impact: 8%) provided a video tour of the 200-bed hospital, highlighting its modern design. Al-Qasr al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 5%) listed the hospital as one of several key projects opening soon, including major bridges at Baratha and Qahtan Square, which are aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the capital. The page Mashari’ al-Iraq – Iraq Projects (Post Impact: 3%) also shared a video praising the hospital as a beautiful new medical facility.

7. Analysis of Tense Political Climate in the Middle East

Political commentators shared their analyses of the increasingly tense regional situation, particularly concerning Syria and Iran. Journalist Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 9%) predicted a “sensitive and tense” 25-day period, speculating that Israel might strike Iran’s nuclear program before a potential change in the U.S. presidency. The page Ahmed AlHamdani – Ahmed AlHamdani (Post Impact: 3%) reported on the diplomatic split, noting that Iraq recognized the political shift in Syria while Iran expressed strong opposition. Analyst Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 2%) offered a critical view of Iraq’s foreign policy, arguing that its decisions are influenced more by sectarian pressures than strategic national interests.

8. Expansion of Fiber Optic Internet in Iraq

Technology-focused pages reported on the progress and state of fiber optic internet infrastructure in Iraq. Al-Taqniyya wal-Ittisalat (Post Impact: 6%) claimed that Iraq possesses one of the largest fiber optic networks in the Middle East and that the service is 30 times faster than wireless towers. The page Abu Al-‘Arif (Post Impact: 2%) provided specific figures, stating that 3 million lines have been installed with 1 million currently active. However, it also cautioned that Iraq’s infrastructure is technically weaker than in other countries, which could affect service quality as usage increases.

9. Primary School Exam Dates Moved Forward

News pages shared an important update for families regarding the academic calendar. Both Al-Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 9%) and Markaz al-Iraqi al-Khabari (Post Impact: 2%) reported that the examination dates for the first four grades of primary school have been advanced. The posts served as brief, urgent announcements and did not provide additional details about the new dates or the reasons behind the change.

10. Christmas Preparations and Celebrations Across Iraq

Social media pages captured the festive spirit of the Christmas season in different parts of Iraq. Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 9%) reported on efforts in Diyala to erect the largest Christmas tree on the city’s corniche in preparation for New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, a video from Min Baghdad+ (Post Impact: 3%) showcased the celebratory atmosphere of “Christmas nights in Baghdad,” highlighting the decorations and festivities in the capital.