Based on an analysis of 645 X / Twitter posts by Miqrab AI on December 31, 2024, the primary narratives in Iraq revolved around a highly engaged statement from cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, widespread controversy over the arrest of youths by PMF Security forces for allegedly planning to hang Iraqi flags, and intense reactions to the Omani football team’s victory over Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup. Other significant conversations included strong expressions of support for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), reports of alleged atrocities by the new leadership in Syria, and a divisive debate surrounding a television interview with Raghad Saddam Hussein about her potential return to politics.

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

1. Muqtada al-Sadr Issues a Statement Via X / Twitter

The day’s most engaged-with post came from influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which dominated online discussions in Iraq. The post from his official account, Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%), contained only a link which led to an image of a formal, handwritten statement bearing his signature. This method of communication, bypassing traditional media, ensured the message reached a wide audience directly, triggering extensive shares and comments across the platform as users sought to interpret and discuss its implications.

2. PMF Security Arrests Youths Over Flag-Hanging Plans

A major controversy erupted over reports that PMF Security forces arrested several young men for their “intention” to hang Iraqi flags on public murals. Ahmed Albasheer (Post Impact: 24%) described it as “the strangest event of 2024.” Ghaith Altamimi (Post Impact: 13%), whose son was reportedly detained, decried the “unlawful, militia-style” arrest for the “crime of possessing the Iraqi flag.” Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 8%) called it a new episode in “a series of improper and illegal actions” by PMF security. Conversely, Ahmad Abdulsada (Post Impact: 11%) praised the PMF for arresting what he called “saboteurs” who tore down pictures of commanders Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, calling the action a “required deterrent.”

3. Oman Ousts Saudi Arabia from Gulf Cup, Igniting Online Buzz

Oman’s victory over Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup generated significant traffic, with many posts focusing on the reactions of Iraqi football icon Younis Mahmoud. Katab Fulan (Post Impact: 17%) shared a viral clip of Mahmoud laughing alongside an Omani analyst after the match. The account Haidar (Post Impact: 14%) posted a video of an Omani fan mockingly asking, “Saudi Arabia is coming for the title?! Hahahaha.” Other users like Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 6%) and Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 6%) expressed satisfaction with the outcome, suggesting Mahmoud’s earlier skepticism about the Saudi team’s chances was vindicated.

4. Accounts Voice Strong Support for the PMF

In parallel to criticism, a number of influential accounts expressed staunch support for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and its role in Iraq. Prominent PMF figure Abu Azrael (Post Impact: 24%) shared a video declaring, “The PMF 313 remains, despite the noses of the Zionist-Americans.” This sentiment of defiance was echoed by Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 8%), who stated that Iraq now has “prestige among nations” because it is “strong with the Marjiyya [religious authority], strong with the PMF.” Similarly, Emad Al Musafir (Post Impact: 7%) warned those who “try to insult the image of the commanders of victory” to “try their unfortunate luck.”

5. Concerns Over Atrocities in “New Syria”

The aftermath of the Assad regime’s fall in Syria was a significant topic, with posts highlighting alleged human rights abuses by the new ruling factions. Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 17%) shared a video claiming to show “Al-Julani’s takfiri gangs” kidnapping and torturing members of the Alawite community. Alshabandr (Post Impact: 12%) posted an image from Syria and asked if various Iraqi commentators who opposed Assad would now criticize “these criminal practices in Syria.” Meanwhile, Sheikh Falah Al-Quraishi (Post Impact: 12%) circulated a clip of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei discussing the “reasons for the fall of Syria.”

6. Raghad Saddam Hussein’s Interview Divides Opinion

A television appearance by Raghad Saddam Hussein on Al Arabiya ignited a debate over her political ambitions and potential return to Iraq. Her official account, Raghad Saddam Hussein (Post Impact: 13%), promoted the interview, which covered her father’s prison memoirs and her “anticipated role on the political scene.” The interview prompted immediate reactions, such as a poll by Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 13%) asking Iraqis if they would welcome her participation in the political process. The decision to host her also drew criticism from accounts like Ahmad Al-thawaq (Post Impact: 7%).

7. Calls for Political Overhaul in Iraq

Amid regional changes, several users discussed the future of Iraq’s political system and called for significant reforms. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 7%) wrote that “change in Iraq has become inevitable” and warned that without “real and comprehensive reform… the end will be catastrophic for everyone.” Analyzing the regional shifts, Dr. Yahya Al-Kubaisi (Post Impact: 4%) suggested that the “Syrian variable” will force Iraq’s Shiite political actors to reconsider their reliance on a “parallel state” of armed factions. This theme was further supported by Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 3%) who described a political initiative demanding a transition to a civil state.

8. Al Arabiya Accused of Double Standards

Several users accused the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya channel of hypocrisy for its coverage of Syria compared to its platforming of Raghad Saddam Hussein. Ahmad Al-thawaq (Post Impact: 7%) argued that the channel attacks Syria’s Ba’ath party for killing Sunnis while simultaneously “praising” Iraq’s Ba’ath party under Saddam Hussein, who killed Shiites and Kurds. This exact sentiment was repeated in a post by Wasan Alshayakhliu1 (Post Impact: 4%), who shared an image from the Raghad interview and asked rhetorically, “Now do you know the reason?”

9. Murder of a Family in Sadr City Shocks Baghdad

A horrific crime in Baghdad’s Sadr City captured social media attention, as users shared details of a family’s murder. According to Hassan Basket Ball – HASSAN AL HAMMADI (Post Impact: 7%), a woman and her four children were killed by a friend and her husband over a debt of 18 million dinars; the perpetrators then allegedly killed two more relatives. Following these reports, Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 4%) posted that the Ministry of Interior had successfully arrested the “criminal family” responsible for the “Sadr City massacre.”

10. Satirical Posts Mock Politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali

A recurring satirical theme mocked politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali, nicknamed “Da’boul,” for his unfulfilled predictions of an imminent external military intervention to overthrow the Iraqi government. The account Haidar (Post Impact: 4%) sarcastically announced the “arrival of the liberation leader Faiq Da’boul” to manage Iraq’s transitional government. In a similar vein, Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 4%) remarked that 2024 ended and the “sweeping and crushing forces promised by Faiq Da’boul” never arrived, grouping him with another figure known for outlandish predictions.