Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 493 X / Twitter posts trending on January 29, 2025, the dominant conversation in Iraq revolves around the political transition in neighboring Syria. Iraqi social media users are intensely focused on the new Syrian leadership’s decision to dissolve all armed factions and integrate them into the state, drawing sharp and often critical comparisons to the enduring power of militias within Iraq. The appointment of Ahmed Al-Sharaa as Syria’s transitional president has sparked a polarized debate, with some commentators praising his actions while others condemn him as a terrorist. This external event has also invigorated domestic political discourse, with figures like Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali alluding to a potential comeback. Other significant topics include the political activities of Ammar Al-Hakim in southern Iraq, ongoing sectarian tensions, and discussions around Iraq’s energy policy concerning Iran and the United States.

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

1. Iraqi Factions vs Syrian Factions: A Stark Comparison

The most dominant narrative compares the swift dissolution of armed factions in Syria with the entrenched power of militias in Iraq. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 100%) set the tone by asking, “Why in Syria does the state rise above the factions, while in Iraq the factions rise above the state?!”. This sentiment was echoed by several accounts, including Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 59%), who argued that Syria succeeded because the change came from Syrians themselves, whereas in Iraq, a new ruling class was installed by a foreign power and remains beholden to it. Similarly, Salem Al-Jumaili (Post Impact: 20%) and Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 7%) highlighted that Syrian factions willingly dissolved for the sake of the state, a step Iraqi groups have refused to take after two decades in power.

2. Ahmed Al-Sharaa Appointed Syria’s Transitional President

News of Ahmed Al-Sharaa (formerly known as Al-Jolani) being appointed as the head of state for Syria’s transitional period spread widely. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 50%) provided a detailed list of the new administration’s first decrees, including the dissolution of the former army, security services, Ba’ath party, and all military factions, declaring it a victory for Syria over Iran. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 36%) congratulated Al-Sharaa, calling the decisions “bold steps” that establish a new phase for Syria. Others, such as Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 6%) and Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 3%), shared the news, congratulating the Syrian people and noting the beginning of a “new Syria.”

3. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali Hints at Political Comeback

Politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali sparked widespread speculation with a high-impact post hinting at a political return. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 89%) posted a photo of himself on horseback, asking his followers, “Should I come on foot like President Ahmed Al-Sharaa? Or on horseback?” This was interpreted by his supporters as a sign that he is preparing to challenge the current political system. Mulla Aboud Al-Karkhi (Post Impact: 13%) responded with strong support, stating that Iraqis await him as a “liberator” and their “only hope” against the “militia regime,” linking his symbolic gesture to the fall of previous and current systems.

4. Mashaan Al-Jabouri’s Praise of Al-Jolani Draws Attention

A video clip of politician Mashaan Al-Jabouri praising the character of Syria’s new leader generated significant controversy. Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 59%) and Yasser Eljuboori – Yasir Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 19%) shared the clip in which Al-Jabouri claims Ahmed Al-Sharaa (Al-Jolani) “acted with morals and integrity” towards his opponents and that Iraq has “terrorists who are worse than him but are sanctified.” The posts frame Al-Jabouri’s comments as controversial, with Yasser Eljuboori pointedly asking whom he might be referring to among Iraq’s leaders.

5. Sectarian Backlash Against Syria’s New Leadership

The appointment of Ahmed Al-Sharaa was met with strong condemnation from accounts identifying with a Shiite perspective, who labeled him a terrorist. Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 35%) castigated “submissive Shiites” for considering dissolving factions while Sunnis celebrate a “terrorist” leader, urging them to be proud of their own factions and Iran. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 19%) described the change in Syria as a move from a “Ba’athist dictator to a religious dictator” who will oppress people in the streets, accusing the new regime of being accepted by the US and Israel. Zainab Al-Ghanim (Post Impact: 5%) sarcastically noted how politicians who ignore their own constituents have become “poets swooning over the love of Jolani and his achievements.”

6. Ammar Al-Hakim Tours Dhi Qar Amid Mixed Reception

Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement, conducted a high-profile tour of Dhi Qar province, which was extensively documented on his official account. Posts from Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 8%) and others detailed his meetings with local government officials, tribal leaders, and visits to historical sites like the Ziggurat of Ur. While his account framed the visit as a success focused on stability and development, it drew criticism from others. Hassan Basket Ball – HASSAN AL HAMMADI (Post Impact: 8%) referred to him as an unwelcome “priest of the temple,” and Salam Al-Husseini (Post Impact: 7%) posted a picture of him at the Ziggurat with the caption “He chose the temple to hint!” suggesting the visit was a gesture toward normalization.

7. Calls to End US Waiver for Iraqi Gas Imports from Iran

Discussion emerged around the US policy that allows Iraq to import gas from Iran despite sanctions. Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 7%) shared a post titled “Demand to cancel the American exception,” highlighting the ongoing debate. Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 2%) specified that US Representative Joe Wilson is urging former President Trump to “cancel the US exemption” and encourage Iraq to seek energy from Arab countries instead.

8. Sectarian Tensions in Domestic Politics

Beyond the events in Syria, posts highlighted ongoing sectarian grievances within Iraq’s political and justice systems. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 15%) shared a statement from MP Habib Al-Halawi who claimed, “The Shiite prisoners will go to their mothers, but the Sunnis will not be released,” describing it as the harsh reality for Sunnis in Iraq. In a different context, Hiba Al-Naib HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 10%) shared a clip of a Coordination Framework MP allegedly making remarks disrespectful to Imam Al-Hassan, criticizing politicians who she says harm their own sect’s symbols behind the scenes.

9. Concerns over Corruption and Economic Mismanagement

Several accounts raised alarms about Iraq’s economic future and ongoing corruption. Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 8%) warned of a “terrifying drought” by 2040, citing a World Resources Institute report and urging the government to act immediately. Ziad Al-Hashimi (Post Impact: 3%) detailed the severe problem of counterfeit currency circulating in Iraq, attributing it to a weak banking system, corruption, and poor border control. Separately, Naji Asal (Post Impact: 3%) highlighted alleged corruption at Najaf Airport, reporting a contract worth 3 billion dinars for simply mowing the grass.

10. Pro-Faction and Pro-Resistance Narratives

In response to widespread criticism of militias, some accounts posted in their defense. Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 35%) directly addressed those contemplating dissolving factions, urging them to instead “be proud of the factions and the Hashd, whose only problem with you is that they love Iran and support Gaza!”. In a similar vein, Wesam Aziz (Post Impact: 21%) posted a picture of a deceased fighter, described as a resistor and martyr “like his grandfather Imam Ali,” adding that “only a believer loves him and only a hypocrite hates him,” a statement commonly used to praise figures associated with the axis of resistance.