Based on an analysis of 411 X / Twitter posts trending on January 27, 2025, Miqrab AI found that online conversations in Iraq were dominated by regional political shifts and domestic frustrations. The most widespread narrative involved widespread condemnation of an incident where the new Syrian flag was drawn on the ground and disrespected, sparking a debate on Iraq’s relationship with the new government in Damascus. This was closely followed by a high-engagement call from a prominent politician for Iraqis to support his appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene against Iranian-backed militias. Other significant topics included public outrage over allegations of corruption at Najaf’s international airport involving the Hikma Movement, discussions on the potential impacts of a new Trump presidency, and calls for influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to return to the political arena.

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

1. Outrage Over Desecration of the New Syrian Flag

A significant number of Iraqi commentators expressed outrage and condemnation over an incident where the new Syrian flag was painted on the ground and walked upon, including by what appeared to be Iraqi security personnel. Mashaan Aljabouri (Post Impact: 54%) described it as an “unjustified hostile message” that hurts the feelings of Syrian brethren, lamenting that authorities failed to remove it. Sajjad Aljubori (Post Impact: 22%) argued that just as Iraq demands good neighborly relations from Syria’s new administration, Iraqis must also show respect, pointing out that Iraq has officially recognized the new flag. Similarly, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 13%) called the act “reckless and irresponsible,” stating that treating a neighboring country on a sectarian basis reflects a dangerous lack of statehood mentality and called for an official apology. ahmedmeckya (Post Impact: 19%) warned that this action sets a precedent that could lead to Syrians disrespecting Iraqi symbols in retaliation, stating, “Respect to be respected.”

2. Calls for US Intervention to Oust Iran and Militias

Prominent politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali (Post Impact: 73%) announced his intention to write a short message to former U.S. President Donald Trump on platform X, urging him to “hasten” the overthrow of militias and the removal of Iran from Iraq. He justified this by claiming it is the responsibility of the U.S., which he says handed the country over to Iran in 2011, and asked his followers if they would support his call. In a similar vein, Al-Alusi Mithal (Post Impact: 13%) penned an open letter to Trump, expressing hope that his potential election victory would push Iraqi officials loyal to Iran to change course and warning that an Iranian nuclear bomb threatens the entire region. This initiative was also noted by Haidar (Post Impact: 3%), who reported on the call to action for followers to message Trump.

3. Debate on Normalizing Relations with Syria’s New Government

Alongside the controversy over the Syrian flag, a discussion emerged regarding Iraq’s stance towards the new leadership in Syria under Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammad al-Jolani). Mashaan Aljabouri (Post Impact: 25%) argued that many Iraqis who criticize al-Sharaa’s past ignore that his current performance is more wise, honest, and tolerant than the leaders they praise. He urged Iraq to take an independent position from Iran and extend a hand of cooperation to the new Syrian administration. In contrast, Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 8%) criticized what he called “Jolani fans” in Iraq, accusing them of hypocrisy for not condemning al-Sharaa’s previously hostile statements against Iraqi democracy while being outraged over the flag incident. Ghaith Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 8%) posted a picture of al-Sharaa with the comment that “even Jolani knows how to distinguish between the behavior of a statesman and the behavior of Ottoman gangs.”

4. Corruption Allegations at Najaf Airport Implicate Hikma Movement

A video clip sparked widespread discussion about alleged corruption at Najaf’s international airport, implicating the Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement. The video, shared by accounts like Hisham Ali :: husham ali (Post Impact: 10%) and Dr. Ghaleb Al-Daami (Post Impact: 9%), shows a meeting with members of parliament where an airport department manager tells those present, “You want the airport to run? Come to an understanding with the economics of the Hikma Movement.” This statement was interpreted as an open admission of partisan economic control over a state institution. Salam Al-Husseini (Post Impact: 5%) and Yasser Eljuboori – Yasser Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 4%) expressed shock and sarcasm, with Al-Husseini ironically recalling statements about the Hikma leader’s supposed asceticism.

5. Sectarian Tensions and Political Horse-Trading Discussed

Discussions touching on sectarian divides and political maneuvering were present. Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 16%) posted a video with text making broad, controversial comparisons between Shia and Sunni youth and claiming that Arabs have strayed from the “essence of Islam.” In a separate but related theme of sectarian politics, Ahmed Abd al-Sada (Post Impact: 2%) criticized the Shia Coordination Framework leaders for allegedly considering a deal to pass a general amnesty law, which he claims would free “terrorists,” in exchange for passing the Ja’fari Personal Status Law, which he sees as a basic “sectarian entitlement” that shouldn’t require such a compromise.

6. Concerns Over Potential Impact of a Trump Presidency

The prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency fueled conversations about potential economic and political consequences for Iraq. Ziad Al-Hashimi (Post Impact: 5%) outlined a scenario where the Iraqi government might devalue the dinar to 1450 per dollar as a preemptive measure against “Trump’s upcoming economic strikes” and falling oil prices, warning of the painful impact on citizens and inflation. Adding to the political dimension, Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 2%), citing the Russian outlet Sputnik, stated that Trump would not accept the continued existence of the Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF) or the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

7. Calls for Muqtada al-Sadr’s Political Return

The political future of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who has withdrawn from formal politics, remains a topic of discussion. The single most impactful post analyzed was a wordless image shared by Muqtada Sayyid Muhammad al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%) himself, which generated massive engagement. Meanwhile, Lawyer Inas Saad (Post Impact: 3%) posted about preparations for demonstrations near Sadr’s home in Al-Hanana. The stated goal of these non-Sadrist-led protests is to urge him to actively participate in the next elections to oust militias, armed factions, and the corrupt, in line with the directives of the supreme religious authority.

8. Hezbollah Acknowledges Support from Iraq

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, was quoted thanking Iraq for its support to Lebanon. Haidar (Post Impact: 6%) and Sabereen News (Post Impact: 3%) both shared this news, with the quotes specifically mentioning gratitude towards “Iraq, its religious authority (Marja’iyya), its people, and its Hashd (PMF).” The statements were made in the context of acknowledging support from allies in the region, including Iran and Yemen.

9. Narratives on the Decline of Iranian Influence

A recurring theme across several accounts was the idea that Iran’s regional influence is waning. Omar Abd al-Sattar Mahmud (Post Impact: 5%) posted a video with the simple declaration, “Iraq will not be for Iran.” This sentiment was echoed by Mullah Aboud Al-Karkhi (Post Impact: 2%), who claimed the “Iranian project” has been hit hard in Lebanon and Syria and will soon be defeated in Iraq and Yemen. The account _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 2%) also quoted the American outlet Bloomberg, which reportedly suggested that the next major change in the Middle East could be a regime change in Iran itself.

10. Tributes to Heroic Professor Who Died Saving a Child

Several users paid tribute to Dr. Saadi Hussein Hamel, a university lecturer from Wasit who died after saving a child from drowning. Naeem Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 3%), the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that the professor “embodied the true responsibility towards his society and his people” and praised him as a role model. Similarly, Mahmoud Al-Rubaie (Post Impact: 2%) described the act as a manifestation of “Southern Iraqi jealousy [protective honor],” where the professor sacrificed his “pure self” to save a child’s life. Both accounts offered condolences to his family and the academic community.