Based on an analysis of 436 Facebook posts trending on February 18, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discussions in Iraq. The most prominent conversations centered on religious expressions of devotion, particularly from high-profile figures. Significant attention was also given to political and religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who issued statements on various matters. A major news event that captured widespread interest was the government’s decision to cut internet services for the telecommunications company Korek due to outstanding debts. Furthermore, decisions from the Council of Ministers regarding Ramadan working hours and university schedules, alongside cultural news about the suspension of an artist, were actively discussed across numerous pages.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Footballer Younis Mahmoud Shares Religious Post

Former national football team captain Younis Mahmoud shared an image of Imam Ali’s sword, Zulfiqar, with the caption “No man like Ali, no sword like Zulfiqar (peace be upon him)”. The post from Younis Mahmoud – Younis Mahmoud (Post Impact: 91%) garnered exceptionally high engagement. The page Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) also shared a photo of the player from inside the Imam Ali shrine.

2. Muqtada al-Sadr Issues Statements and Answers Questions

The office of Muqtada al-Sadr actively communicated his recent activities. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 28%) shared a post he made on the “X” platform. The same page also published his answers to questions on religious matters, as noted in another post (Post Impact: 11%), including one reported by Tara’if al-Alam bi ‘Uyun ‘Iraqiya (World’s Jokes through Iraqi Eyes) (Post Impact: 3%) regarding the ruling on using “Torshana” (dried apricots) in stews. Separately, Al Hadath Iraq (Post Impact: 3%) reported that al-Sadr called on Iran to hand over members of the “Qurban” group, known for their unusual beliefs, to be tried in Iraq.

3. Korek Telecom’s Internet Service Cut Over Unpaid Debts

Multiple news and community pages reported that the Communications and Media Commission (CMC) ordered the suspension of internet services for Korek Telecom. Al-Khwah al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 15%) stated the reason was the company’s failure “to pay its accumulated debts for years.” Pages like Nafs Iraq (Iraq’s Breath) (Post Impact: 8%) and Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 6%) confirmed the start of the service cut. Pages such as Al-Taqniya wal-Itisalat (Technology and Communications) (Post Impact: 2%) advised users to switch their phone numbers associated with important accounts away from Korek lines.

4. Cabinet Announces Ramadan Hours and Graduate Appointments

The office of Prime Minister The Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 6%) detailed the outcomes of the latest cabinet session. Key decisions included reducing official working hours by one hour during Ramadan, a move also reported by Al-Khwah al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 6%). The cabinet also approved 5,903 job placements for top graduates and higher degree holders, as highlighted by Al Qasr Al Hukoumi (The Government Palace) (Post Impact: 4%). Another significant decision, covered by the Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) page, was to revert to the original university working hours and grant universities the authority to set their own schedules starting March 2, 2025.

5. Artists’ Syndicate Suspends Actress Sara al-Bahrani

Several pages reported that the Iraqi Artists’ Syndicate has decided to suspend actress Sara al-Bahrani from working. Ahdath Erbil (Erbil Events) (Post Impact: 11%) stated the suspension was due to accusations of “lying and misdirection.” Similarly, ‘Iraqiyin W Bas (Iraqis Only) (Post Impact: 5%) noted the decision came “after she accused artists and directors of indecent matters.” Al Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 4%) added that her membership for the year 2025 will not be renewed.

6. Public Mourns the Passing of Dr. Hamed al-Lami

The death of Dr. Hamed al-Lami was announced on social media, prompting condolences from the public. The page Baghdad (Post Impact: 24%) shared the news of his passing, offering prayers for him and his family. The page Akher al-Ahdath al-Iraqiya (Latest Iraqi Events) (Post Impact: 1%) noted that he had recently become famous for treating many coronavirus patients and that hundreds of people used to visit him.

7. Political Figures Debate the Ba’ath Party’s Legacy

The legacy of the Ba’ath Party was a topic of political discussion. The page Khabar Ajeal (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 9%) quoted Nouri al-Maliki reassuring citizens, “Be assured, there will be no return for the Ba’ath and terrorism, no matter how much life they breathe into them.” The same page also reported Saleh al-Mutlaq’s comment that Hala Saddam Hussein’s husband has the right to form a political project. Meanwhile, Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 5%) provided a detailed legal analysis explaining why Raghad Saddam Hussein is not permitted to run in Iraqi elections, citing the law banning the Ba’ath Party and a previous court sentence against her.

8. Weather Forecasts Predict Heavy Rains and Storms

Pages focused on news and current events shared weather alerts for the coming days. Nafs Iraq (Iraq’s Breath) (Post Impact: 9%) announced a forecast from the meteorological office for “strong rains on Wednesday and Thursday, continuing until Saturday.” Similarly, Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 5%) quoted a weather forecaster who stated that starting from the next day, there will be “days full of weather events: rain, snow, hail, and dust.”

9. Livestock Disease Outbreak Reported in Fadhiliya, Baghdad

Pages shared videos showing a local crisis in the Fadhiliya area of Baghdad, where a disease is reportedly spreading among livestock. The page of Muhammad Nasser Khalif Muhammad Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 7%) reported that residents blocked the Fadhiliya road due to the spread of the disease and the lack of a real response to save their remaining livestock. Al-E’lami Ahmed al-Rikabi (Journalist Ahmed al-Rikabi) (Post Impact: 4%) described the scenes as “catastrophic” and noted concerns that the virus could potentially infect humans.

10. Sadr City Development Project Handed to Chinese Firm

Two pages reported on a significant development project in Baghdad. Mashari’ al-Iraq – Iraq Projects (Post Impact: 2%) announced that the Baghdad Municipality handed over the land for the new Sadr City project to the Chinese company Shandong to begin implementation. This news was also shared by Markaz al-Iraqi al-Khabari (Iraqi News Center) (Post Impact: 1%), confirming the official handover of the project site.