Based on an analysis of 358 Facebook posts trending on February 21, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives circulating in Iraq. The most prominent theme was the commemoration of the 19th anniversary of journalist Atwar Bahjat’s assassination, which many pages linked to the beginning of sectarian strife. Widespread discussion also focused on a severe cold wave affecting the country, with reports of snow in the north. Other significant topics included public service announcements about the national ration card system, ongoing counter-terrorism operations by Iraqi security forces, and a trending social media controversy involving several public figures. Political discourse was also visible, with posts covering tensions between Iraqi political leaders and the implications of US foreign policy on the region.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Commemorating Journalist Atwar Bahjat’s Assassination

Iraqi Facebook pages are widely commemorating the 19th anniversary of the assassination of journalist and poet Atwar Bahjat. Pages like Al-Khwa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 52%) and Baghdad (Post Impact: 16%) remember her as an “icon of Iraqi media” who was killed while covering the bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra. These pages frame her death as a pivotal moment that “changed the history of Iraq to the worst of the difficult years” and marked the beginning of sectarian conflict. Muntazer al-Zaidi (Post Impact: 2%) also shared a post remembering his colleague. Many posts highlighted her final unifying message to Iraqis: “There is no difference between one Iraqi and another except in their fear for this country.”

2. Severe Cold Wave and Snowfall Reported Across Iraq

A major weather event is a top story, with multiple pages reporting on a cold wave entering Iraq. Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 16%) issued an urgent alert stating the cold wave began today and is expected to peak on Monday with temperatures dropping to -6°C. Corroborating this, pages like Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 12%) and Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 9%) shared videos of current snowfall in the Duhok governorate. Meanwhile, Telescope Iraq (Post Impact: 8%) explained to its followers why Baghdad is unlikely to see snow despite the freezing temperatures, citing the city’s low altitude and the need for all atmospheric layers to be at or below zero Celsius for snow to form.

3. Public Dispute Involving Influencers Sara al-Bahrani and Ali Fadel

A social media controversy involving several public figures is trending across multiple pages. The story appears to center on disputes between Sara al-Bahrani, Ali Fadel, and Qahtan Adnan. Shabakat Baghdad (Post Impact: 15%) posted an alleged quote from Sara al-Bahrani addressing Ali Fadel, stating, “You pretend you don’t see me, you even came to my house and when you saw my son is taller than me, you told me not to say he is my son, but my brother.” In a related post, Haider Khalaf Ghazi (Post Impact: 20%) accused those defending Sara of hypocrisy, claiming they were silent when he was threatened with the exposure of “dishonorable files.” The page Al-Ghasala (Post Impact: 11%) also shared a video discussing “mysterious details” about the case.

4. High-Impact Announcement on Ration Card Updates

A public service announcement regarding the national ration card system generated exceptionally high engagement. The page Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 100%) posted an urgent update stating that the online link for the ration card will be opened next Tuesday. According to the post, the link will allow citizens to perform actions such as transferring, sorting, and adding individuals to their ration cards. This announcement was the single highest-impact post in the dataset, indicating significant public interest in the matter.

5. Security Forces Conduct Counter-Terrorism Operations

Iraqi security forces’ ongoing efforts to combat terrorism are being highlighted. The International Coalition (Post Impact: 16%) emphasized its cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces, stating they work “tirelessly to destroy terror networks in Iraq.” In a detailed operational update, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) (Post Impact: 10%) reported on a successful mission in the Makhmour district. The operation resulted in the destruction of 18 terrorist hideouts and 7 tunnels, and the seizure of explosives, drones, and other logistical materials. The ICTS post affirmed their commitment to pursuing remnants of ISIS to achieve a “safe and stable Iraq.”

6. US Foreign Policy Affecting Iraq and the Region

Discussions around former US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and its impact on Iraq and the wider region are trending. Baghdad (Post Impact: 9%) shared a report from Reuters alleging that the Trump administration is pressuring the Iraqi government to allow the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through Turkey. The report claims this is to compensate for Iranian oil in the global market, with Baghdad facing potential sanctions if it does not comply. Separately, Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 12%) quoted Trump expressing surprise that Jordan and Egypt did not welcome his plan for Gaza, despite the billions of dollars in aid they receive from the US.

7. Military Factions Commemorate Individual Martyrs

Various Iraqi military and security factions are using their Facebook pages to honor the memory of individual members who were killed in action. The Abbas Combat Division / Brigade 26 (Post Impact: 20%) shared a tribute video titled “From the snows of Sweden to the dust of martyrdom,” telling the story of one of its heroes, Ali Al-Fatlawi. Similarly, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) (Post Impact: 7%) published a lengthy post eulogizing First Lieutenant Saif al-Din Muhannad al-Maamouri, a fallen officer from the Nineveh Counter-Terrorism Regiment. The post praised his bravery in the battles to liberate Salah al-Din and Nineveh, highlighting his sacrifice for the nation.

8. Death of Mosul Medical Assistant in Traffic Accident Mourned Online

Local news pages are reporting on the death of a young man in Mosul, prompting expressions of grief from the community. Both Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 10%) and Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 6%) announced the death of Mustafa Mohammed Younis, identified as an anesthesia assistant. The pages state that he passed away following a tragic traffic accident in the Al-Shaima neighborhood a few hours prior. The posts share condolences and prayers for the deceased.

9. Nouri al-Maliki Calls for Action Against Mohammed al-Halbousi

A political dispute between former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi is gaining attention. Tele Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) reports that Maliki is demanding that al-Halbousi and governors be held accountable for allegedly disrupting official work and calling for civil disobedience in protest of the halt to the general amnesty law. The page Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 4%) also covered Maliki’s call for accountability against al-Halbousi for his alleged call for civil disobedience, framing it as a developing political situation.

10. Anticipation for Ramadan TV Series “Ghassan and Mina”

Entertainment pages are generating buzz for upcoming Ramadan programming by sharing behind-the-scenes content. Pages such as Sha’ar Banat (Post Impact: 14%) and Kliča (Post Impact: 4%) both posted video clips showing the making of the theme song for a new Ramadan television series titled “Ghassan and Mina.” These posts indicate growing public anticipation for the traditional wave of new media content that accompanies the holy month of Ramadan.