Based on 416 Facebook posts analyzed on January 16, 2025, Miqrab AI identified the following key themes and narratives on Facebook in Iraq: A decision by the Iraqi Bar Association to disbar a lawyer generated the highest engagement, followed closely by sports news concerning Real Madrid’s victory in the Copa del Rey. Political discourse was also prominent, focusing on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s diplomatic activities in London and tours by other political figures like Mohammad al-Halbousi. Additionally, security-related posts, including the death of an Air Force corporal and anti-drug campaigns, captured significant attention, alongside religious commemorations for the death of Sayyida Zainab.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Bar Association Disbars Lawyer Qamar al-Samarrai

The Iraqi Bar Association’s decision to remove lawyer Qamar al-Samarrai from its official roster was the most engaging story of the day. Multiple pages shared the news, with Al-Khuwa al-Nathifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 96%) breaking the story. The page Baghdad (Post Impact: 5%) also covered the news, sharing a document from the Bar Association’s Disciplinary Board that confirms the decision to strike her name from the lawyers’ register. The posts did not provide details on the reason for the decision but focused on the official act itself.

2. Real Madrid Advances in Copa del Rey After Thrilling Match

Football fans celebrated Real Madrid’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey after a 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo in extra time. Al-Khuwa al-Nathifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 41%) announced the final score, while Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 28%) celebrated the victory, referring to the team as “the King’s team.” The page Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 7%) highlighted the dramatic turn of events, noting how the score went from 2-0 to 2-2 between the 83rd and 90th minutes, forcing the match into extra time. Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 4%) also described the match as an “enjoyable evening” and a decisive win for Real Madrid.

3. Iraqi Air Force Mourns Death of Corporal Ali Muhammad Jabbar

Pages focused on security and military affairs mourned the death of Corporal Ali Muhammad Jabbar of the Iraqi Air Force. Maher Mohi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 32%) lamented his death, stating, “In the prime of his life, he wasn’t even married yet. We have now lost one of the heroes of the Iraqi Air Force.” Similarly, Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 20%) shared the news of his passing, offering condolences and praying for his soul. The posts expressed sorrow for the young corporal’s death, emphasizing his youth and service.

4. PM Al-Sudani Concludes Official Visit to London

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s official visit to the United Kingdom was a major topic of discussion, with his official page providing several updates. In one post, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 27%) detailed a meeting with Iraqi students studying in the UK, assuring them of his government’s support and announcing an additional 62 billion dinars in the 2025 budget to support scholarship students. In another post, the Prime Minister’s page (Post Impact: 12%) reported on a meeting with the heads of 26 British universities, which resulted in the signing of 12 memoranda of understanding to enhance educational cooperation. The Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 7%) provided a comprehensive summary of the visit’s achievements upon his departure back to Baghdad.

5. Politicians Commemorate the Death of Sayyida Zainab

Several political figures and organizations posted in observance of the death anniversary of Sayyida Zainab, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Baqir Jabr al-Zubaidi (Post Impact: 15%), leader of the Future of Iraq Alliance, recalled his 23 years living near her shrine in Syria and extended condolences. The Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) (Post Impact: 15%) shared a commemorative post, stating, “we learn from her that the voice of truth is not broken.” Similarly, politician Hakim al-Zamili (Post Impact: 4%) praised her role in carrying the message of Karbala, describing her as a partner in a great struggle.

6. Security Forces Highlight Anti-Narcotics Operations

News pages highlighted the ongoing efforts of Iraqi security forces in combating drug trafficking. Both Tele Iraq (Post Impact: 11%) and Tele Iraq Media (Post Impact: 10%) shared identical posts showing security personnel with seized narcotics, captioned, “Our forces are fighting the merchants of poison.” These posts serve to reassure the public about the security forces’ commitment to tackling the drug trade, a significant national security issue.

7. Mishan al-Jubouri’s Controversial Political Statements

Politician Mishan al-Jubouri’s recent statements in an interview with the program “Al-Muqaraba with Samer Jawad” sparked discussion. Al-Khuwa al-Nathifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 15%) highlighted his comments that promoting a Palestinian victory in the war is “a distortion of the truth” and his call for the return of Iraqi Jews. The page Yalla (Post Impact: 3%) provided a more extensive summary of the interview, quoting al-Jubouri on various topics, including his assertion that 99% of those convicted of corruption are Shia and that the “Shia Crescent” has been “demolished.”

8. Mohammad al-Halbousi Tours South Baghdad Areas

Mohammad al-Halbousi, President of the Taqaddum Party, conducted a political tour in the areas of Mahmoudiyah and Yusifiyah, south of Baghdad. His official page, Mohammad Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 12%), shared photos of his visits to the guesthouses of Sheikh Fariq al-Ghurairi, Sheikh Akram Nasr al-Ghurairi, and Sheikh Muhammad al-Abdullah al-Qaraghouli, where he met with local sheikhs, dignitaries, and residents. A follow-up video post (Post Impact: 3%) from the same page provided more visuals from the tour, showcasing his engagement with local communities in the region.

9. Diyala Governorate Implements Biometric Attendance in Schools

Local news outlets reported on a new administrative measure in Diyala governorate requiring the use of biometric attendance systems for all educational and teaching staff in schools. Diyala TV (Post Impact: 9%) and East of Iraq (Post Impact: 3%) both shared the directive, with the latter including a picture of the official document. The new rule is intended to enforce staff attendance and improve administrative oversight within the governorate’s education sector.

10. Ceasefire in Gaza and Analysis of War’s Aftermath

The reported ceasefire in Gaza was another topic of conversation. The page Set Ashwaq Umm al-Qanounia (Post Impact: 14%) celebrated the news of the war’s halt, sharing an image of locals celebrating with an Iraqi individual named Dr. Mohammed Taher. Journalist Sahar Abbas Jamil (Post Impact: 9%) mentioned an expected ceasefire agreement for Sunday and speculated on its regional implications. Meanwhile, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 6%) provided a detailed breakdown of the war’s costs in numbers for both Israel and Gaza, concluding that Israel did not achieve its strategic military goals despite the widespread destruction.