Based on an analysis of 520 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on January 5, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online conversations. The most prominent theme involved intense speculation and political debate over the anticipated return of Donald Trump to power and its potential impact on Iraqi militias and the political landscape. Another significant topic was the situation in Syria, with numerous accounts sharing critical views and videos of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader al-Jolani’s rule, often comparing his methods to those of ISIS. Domestically, a shooting at Al-Israa University College in Baghdad and the government’s controversial decision to extradite activist Salman Al-Khaldi to Kuwait sparked outrage and criticism against security officials. Other discussions included geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s weakening regional influence, personal stories of hardship, and commemorations for the anniversary of the Iraqi Army’s founding.

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

1. Trump’s Return and Anticipated Crackdown on Militias

A major topic of discussion revolves around the impending assumption of power by Donald Trump and its expected consequences for Iraq, particularly concerning armed militias. Faig Alsheakh/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 47%) asserts that with Trump’s return, the “overthrow of Iraqi militias is an inevitable coming event,” and criticizes various Iraqi figures—including the Prime Minister, officials, politicians, and media personalities—for denying this reality to protect their own interests. In response, Alshabandr (Post Impact: 23%) mocks the various figures claiming to be the ones who will “liberate Iraq” and expresses confusion over who to believe. Accounts like Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 7%) shared news from Wan News about an “immediate evacuation of headquarters in Al-Qaim, Jurf al-Sakhr, and Baghdad ahead of Trump’s inauguration.”

2. Criticism of Al-Jolani and HTS Rule in Syria

The situation in Syria under the control of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, al-Jolani, was a subject of intense criticism. Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 28%) shared a video depicting what he called “the Daeshi women’s police” enforcing the niqab on veiled women in Al-Sham, comparing them to Iranian “Zainabiyat” and describing the scene as part of a “Daeshi Ottoman state of superstition project.” Similarly, Haydar (Post Impact: 20%) posted a video of a Dagestani fighter telling Syrian women, “We liberated you… you must wear the niqab.” Omar Abd Al Satar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 10%) also shared a clip titled “Jihadists attack al-Jolani,” highlighting internal dissent against his rule.

3. Outrage Over Extradition of Salman Al-Khaldi to Kuwait

The Iraqi government’s decision to hand over Salman Al-Khaldi, a Kuwaiti dissident, to Kuwait sparked condemnation and accusations of shame against officials. Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 27%) directly addressed Minister of Interior Abd al-Amir al-Shammari and Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani, stating, “You have made us feel ashamed in the Salman Al-Khaldi scene… and this is the truth without falsification.” Mashan al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 4%) described the extradition as a “disgrace to humanity and a flagrant violation of the Iraqi constitution and international laws,” especially since Al-Khaldi had his Kuwaiti citizenship revoked. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 5%) criticized a government-aligned figure for justifying the handover and challenged him to produce an official Interpol warrant for Al-Khaldi.

4. User’s Plea for Prayers Ahead of Major Surgery

In a highly personal and viral post, user Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 100%) requested prayers from his followers ahead of a critical surgery. He explained that the operation was the final one to address complications from an old injury. He stated that if it succeeds, it would be a “new life written for me,” but otherwise, his “soul will go to its creator.” He also mentioned recording a video to be released by a friend in the event of his death, which would reveal unspoken truths he has held in his heart for years. The post garnered significant engagement, with many users offering their prayers and well wishes.

5. Shooting Incident at Al-Israa University College in Baghdad

A shooting at Al-Israa University College in Baghdad drew significant attention, with several accounts sharing details and videos of the incident. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 5%) and Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 5%) both posted detailed reports, identifying the shooter as Ibrahim Ali Muhammad Jabr Al-Saadi, a student born in 2005 who had been expelled. The reports state he opened fire with a pistol, injuring several security guards and students. Bahaa Khaleel Bahaa khaleel (Post Impact: 5%) shared surveillance camera footage of the event, showing the moment the attack began.

6. Iran’s Waning Influence and Geopolitical Pressure

Iran’s current geopolitical standing was a topic of analysis, with commentators highlighting its perceived weakness and uncertain future. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 11%) shared photos of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, commenting on how all of Iran’s efforts and investments in Syria culminated in this outcome. Laqaa Maki (Post Impact: 9%) described the Iranian regime as being in an “existential crisis,” having lost Syria and Lebanon and facing threats over its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 9%), citing Al-Arabiya, reported on the likelihood of large numbers of Iranian militias hiding in Syria, with an Iranian deputy claiming that those trained by Qasem Soleimani are “ready to move.”

7. Release of Activists Linked to Ghaith Al-Tamimi

Activist Ghaith Al-Tamimi GHAITH ALTAMIMI (Post Impact: 10%) announced the release of Hamza and Qusay, two young men who had been detained, after their case was presented to a judge. He thanked Iraqis for their solidarity and framed the release as a “victory for the will of the state, the authority of the law, and the sovereignty of the esteemed Iraqi judiciary against the authority of gangs and militias.” He noted that his son, Muqtada, remains in custody pending the completion of legal paperwork. In another post, Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 5%) criticized Iraqi civil activists and human rights organizations for their perceived silence on the detentions.

8. Debates on Treatment of Iraqis vs. Foreigners and Official Conduct

Discussions emerged contrasting the treatment of Iraqi citizens with foreigners and critiquing the conduct of public officials. Bahaa Khaleel Bahaa khaleel (Post Impact: 16%) criticized what he described as sectarian selectivity in governance, noting that Iraqi citizen Adnan Hamad requires a sponsor to return home while “Lebanese filth… stayed in luxury hotels without conditions.” In a contrasting view, Fadhel Abu Ragheef (Post Impact: 13%) defended Interior Minister Abd al-Amir al-Shammari, listing his achievements such as the Iraq-Syria security wall, the e-passport system, and the arrest of 30,000 drug suspects, suggesting these should have been the focus of any inquiry.

9. Commemoration of the 104th Anniversary of the Iraqi Army

Several users commemorated the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Iraqi Army. Haydar (Post Impact: 5%) shared a video tribute with the caption “The valiant Iraqi army.. 104 years since its founding.” ツ Noor – um Omar (Post Impact: 5%) honored the army that “was known for its chivalry and courage and was a symbol of national dignity until 2003,” sending a salute to the heroes of the “authentic Iraqi Army.” Former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 3%) also issued a statement congratulating the “heroes of Iraq” and describing the army as the “nation’s fortress and the faithful guardian of its gains.”

10. Commemorations for Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis

On the anniversary of their deaths, figures like Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were remembered by some users. Hassan Al Kaabi | H𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕒n A𝕝𝕜𝕒𝕒𝕓i (Post Impact: 12%) posted an image of Soleimani with the quote, “He was more loyal Iraqi than those who opened their cities to welcome ISIS in Iraq,” adding the phrase “Soleimani is one of us, the people of Iraq.” Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 6%) wrote a lengthy post saying he would tell his grandchildren he lived in the time of “the great Shiite leader Abu Mahdi” and “the great Shiite leader Hajji Qasim,” and that he would publish their victories in a time when America tried to erase their memory.