Based on an analysis of 335 Facebook posts on January 10, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives trending in Iraq. The most prominent story involved Iraq’s diplomatic response to the devastating wildfires in California, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a statement of solidarity. Another significant theme was the praise for Iraqi security forces and their counter-terrorism operations in the Hamrin mountains, which included tributes to a fallen soldier. Stories of Iraqi heroism were also popular, particularly the account of a doctor who successfully reattached a young girl’s severed hand. Beyond international news and national security, conversations also touched upon domestic social issues, celebrity news, and local community announcements, reflecting a diverse range of interests among Iraqi Facebook users.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Iraq Expresses Solidarity Over California Wildfires

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ expression of condolences to the United States over the deadly wildfires in California was a top trending story. The page Al-Khowa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 39%) reported that the ministry announced Iraq’s solidarity with the US during this “difficult circumstance” due to the loss of life and property. Other pages, such as Baghdad (Post Impact: 5%) and Min Baghdad+ (Post Impact: 5%), shared satellite imagery from MAXAR and videos showing various aircraft attempting to extinguish the widespread fires in the state. The page Shojaa Faris (Post Impact: 2%) also commented on the fires in Los Angeles.

2. Security Forces Praised for Hamrin Counter-Terrorism Operation

Iraqi security forces received widespread praise across several pages for a recent counter-terrorism operation against ISIS in the Hamrin mountains. Pages highlighted the bravery of the soldiers involved, particularly a K9 named “Hero.” Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 34%) shared a video of Hero confronting an ISIS militant in a tunnel. The same page also posted a video of counter-terrorism forces celebrating after the operation, stating they had avenged their fallen brother, Hadi al-Rubaie. The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (Icts) (Post Impact: 12%) page paid tribute to Hadi Hamed Naama, an explosives expert who was martyred on December 30, 2024, during the clashes, noting that his comrades avenged his death in a swift follow-up operation. The Iraqi Special Operations Forces (Post Impact: 18%) vowed to continue fighting ISIS, stating, “We will make the earth narrow for ISIS and its leadership as long as we have men armed with the love of Iraq.”

3. Heroic Iraqi Doctor Reattaches Child’s Severed Hand

A story celebrating the skill of an Iraqi doctor, Mohammad Tahir, circulated widely. The page Baghdad (Post Impact: 26%) described how Dr. Tahir successfully performed a complex surgery to reattach the severed hand of a nine-year-old girl named Maryam after her family retrieved the limb from the site of an accident. The posts, also shared by Dr. Ali Alkaissi (Post Impact: 8%) and Saqr Al Zakaria (Post Impact: 4%), praised the doctor as a “hero from my country” and highlighted his volunteer work, noting he has performed 290 surgeries and provided critical care to over 1,100 patients over five consecutive months.

4. Sunni Preacher’s Commentary on “Umayyad Approach” Gains Traction

A video clip featuring a commentary on a Sunni preacher’s speech drew significant engagement. The page Salim Mashkour (Post Impact: 73%) shared the reel, stating that the “words of a fair-minded Sunni preacher are confirmed by the reality we live in and the practices we see openly, with pride in the Umayyad approach.” The post suggests a critique of current political or social practices by drawing a parallel to the historical Umayyad dynasty, a theme that resonated strongly with the page’s audience.

5. Lecturer Highlights Plight of Student in Viral Video

A video posted by Dr. Saif Janan (Post Impact: 53%) featuring a student named Mohammed garnered high engagement. The post, titled “Mohammed’s sorrow.. a hero of attending lectures,” shows an interaction that highlights the student’s difficult circumstances. Dr. Janan noted that Mohammed was helped after the lecture but chose not to publicize the assistance out of respect. The post was shared as a touching moment of empathy and support within the academic community, with the author ending his caption with “I love you all.”

6. Iranian Pilgrim in Syria Confirmed Safe, Debunking Rumors

Several pages reported on the status of an elderly Iranian pilgrim in Syria, Abu Talib al-Isfahani, clarifying that he is safe after rumors of his death had spread. Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 9%) labeled the news of his death as “fake” and cited the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which announced his evacuation and imminent return to Iran. Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 4%) also confirmed his safety, noting that social media had circulated a video of him with armed men, leading to inaccurate reports of his killing. With a sarcastic tone, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 3%) commented on the news of his safety by saying, “Oh no, what a pity, it means there’s no mourning ceremony where we can beat our chests, write poems, and make posters.”

7. Doctor Withdraws Candidacy for Dentists’ Syndicate Leadership

The decision by Dr. Saif al-Dahlaki to withdraw his candidacy for the head of the Dentists’ Syndicate in Diyala was covered as a notable act of professionalism. Diyala TV (Post Impact: 8%) reported that Dr. al-Dahlaki stepped down in favor of his competitor, Dr. Mustafa Ghani, whom he described as a prominent scientific figure and leader. The post added that his decision was based on professional ethics and respect for age and experience. Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 2%) called the move a “stance that history will immortalize” and congratulated Dr. Ghani on his likely new role.

8. Artist Karar Salah’s Wedding Celebrated on Social Media

Videos from the wedding of Iraqi artist Karar Salah were shared across multiple celebrity and entertainment-focused pages. Pages like Sha’ar Banat (Post Impact: 6%) and Klecha (Post Impact: 2%) posted clips from the celebration, highlighting the attendance of other artists and celebrities. The posts offered followers a glimpse into the festivities, sharing moments from the wedding ceremony and reception.

9. Fine for Businesses Blocking Public Parking Spaces

News of a new regulation imposing a one-million dinar fine on businesses that prevent vehicles from parking in front of their establishments was shared by community news pages. Both Al-Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 4%) and Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) reported on the decision, which is aimed at addressing the common issue of shop and restaurant owners illegally reserving public parking spots for themselves or their customers.

10. Mid-Year School Exams Begin Across Iraq

Pages focused on Iraqi news and community affairs announced the start of mid-year exams for students. Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 4%) noted that middle and high school students would be heading to their exams. Similarly, Markaz Al-Iraqi Al-Khabari (Post Impact: 3%) posted an urgent bulletin announcing the exams’ start on the following Saturday and called for prayers for the students’ success.