Based on an analysis of 523 X / Twitter posts trending on February 22, 2025, Miqrab AI found that the discourse in Iraq was overwhelmingly dominated by the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, sparking a sharp divide between mourners and critics. Supporters, including some government-affiliated figures, expressed deep solidarity and grief, while opponents condemned what they viewed as loyalty to a foreign entity and mocked the event as a display of defeat. This central topic fueled further discussions on the “resistance axis,” criticism of Iraqi officials’ conduct, and broader questions of national sovereignty. Other significant conversations included domestic political issues, such as the mockery of the forcibly disappeared persons file by an official, the political status of Iraq’s Sunni community, and controversy surrounding telecom regulations.

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

1. Nasrallah’s Funeral Sparks Division on Iraqi Social Media

The funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was the most dominant and polarizing topic, eliciting strong reactions from both supporters and detractors. Pro-Hezbollah accounts framed the event as a moment of profound grief and solidarity. Imad Al Musafir (Post Impact: 100%) posted a video from the event with the caption, “Your flesh is our flesh and your blood is our blood until the Day of Resurrection.” Similarly, Ali Al-Muhandis (Post Impact: 53%) shared a clip referring to Nasrallah as “Lebanon’s shining pearl.” Conversely, critics condemned the displays of mourning. Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 89%) questioned the loyalty of Iraqi officials attending, asking, “A government that owes allegiance to foreign militias, how can we trust it?” Najeh Abbas Al-Mizan (Post Impact: 28%) mockingly commented, “They run away in war and show up for the burial!”

2. Officials at Funeral Criticized for Foreign Loyalty

The attendance of Iraqi officials and affiliated figures at Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral in Beirut drew sharp criticism, with many users questioning their allegiance to Iraq. A video of Imad Al Musafir, identified as a member of the Prime Minister’s government team, declaring loyalty to Hezbollah from Beirut’s southern suburb was widely circulated. Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 89%) highlighted that Al Musafir had recently accompanied the Prime Minister on a trip to London, amplifying concerns about foreign influence. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 16%) also pointed out Al Musafir’s official capacity as a key member of the government delegation. Furthermore, Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 56%) noted the presence of Mira Al-Nouri, whom she described as a “Pro-Wilaya PMF media personality,” at the funeral, adding to the narrative of Iraqi paramilitary and political figures prioritizing allegiance to external actors.

3. Debate Over “Resistance Axis” Victories and Defeats

A narrative questioning the “resistance axis” and its portrayal of military and political outcomes gained traction. Faig Al-Sheikh Ali/Kalamati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 66%) argued that defeated parties were attempting to turn their losses into disgusting displays of victory, citing the transformation of the “defeat of Hamas” into a prisoner exchange and the “defeat of Hezbollah and the assassination of its leaders” into funerals and mourning. He declared, “We are in the era of defeats!” Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 22%) echoed this sentiment by listing alleged crimes of the axis, including drug trafficking, killing civilians across the region, and enabling Iranian control over four countries, asking why people should mourn its losses.

4. PM’s Advisor Saif al-Khayat Mocked in Viral Video

Saif al-Khayat, identified as an advisor to the Prime Minister, became the subject of widespread ridicule following a televised interview. Multiple accounts shared clips from the interview, criticizing his manner of speaking and questioning his qualifications. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 33%) posted a video with the comment, “This is the level… Saif Al-Khayat.” _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 27%) and sh.j.Al-adhami Shamil Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 17%) also shared the clip, expressing disbelief that he holds such a position. The posts collectively paint a picture of incompetence within the government’s advisory team.

5. Outrage Over Mockery of Forcibly Disappeared Persons

A video showing an individual sarcastically dismissing the issue of Iraq’s forcibly disappeared persons sparked outrage. Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 39%) condemned the video, stating that the person was mocking a file where international reports estimate between 250,000 and one million people have been forcibly disappeared since 2016. He highlighted the suffering of the widows and orphans left behind, calling the individual’s mockery “extremely vulgar.” Mujahed Al-Taai (Post Impact: 8%) identified the person in the video as an advisor to the Prime Minister, adding that the state has repeatedly failed these victims by not protecting them and by appointing individuals who misrepresent the facts to the public.

6. Future of Iraqi-Syrian Relations Debated Online

The postponement of a visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Ahmed Al-Shaibani to Iraq prompted a debate about the country’s foreign policy and sovereignty. Mashan al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 26%) questioned whether the delay indicated that Iraq has become a “hostage to dictates,” urging that relations be based on national interests rather than dependency. In contrast, Salim Al-Jomaili (Post Impact: 18%) criticized those opposing relations with Syria, warning that Syria could destabilize Iraq by supporting opposition groups or resuming illicit activities on the border. Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 17%) added that creating a conflict with the new Syrian government would backfire, as Iraqi opponents of the current Baghdad government might find a new political ally in Damascus.

7. Calls for Mass Mourning Processions for Nasrallah

Alongside reports of Iraqis traveling to Beirut, there were active calls for symbolic funerals and mourning processions for Hassan Nasrallah within Iraq. Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 71%) shared a video claiming that Hassan Nasrallah’s family had called to thank the people of Nasiriyah for holding a funeral procession there. In another post, she issued a call for a million-person symbolic funeral in Kadhimiya, accompanied by a threat against anyone who might mock the event. The significant Iraqi presence in Beirut was noted by Abu Darandash Al-Askari (Post Impact: 35%), who stated that flights between Baghdad and Beirut have been continuous for a week transporting Iraqi mourners. Haidar (Post Impact: 17%) also shared videos of the “Ashura-like atmosphere” in Beirut’s southern suburb due to the “wide Iraqi participation.”

8. Discussion on Sunni Political Identity and Influence

The political status and influence of Iraq’s Sunni community were discussed, particularly in relation to the country’s power dynamics. Mashan al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 27%) wrote about the “oppression” felt by Sunnis and the difficult choice between pursuing dialogue with partners in government versus seeking external support to overthrow the political system. This sentiment was echoed in clips shared by Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 8%), showing former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi stating that “Sunnis are not a minority.” In another clip, Halbousi stated that political partners like Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Babylon take their orders from Tehran, not Baghdad. Zina Al Saab (Post Impact: 11%) argued that the idea of a Shiite majority was a “myth” established by Paul Bremer to legitimize handing the country over to religious figures.

9. Telecom Regulations Spark Controversy and Accusations

The actions of Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) against telecom companies have drawn accusations of political bias and unfair practices. Ali Fadhil (Post Impact: 25%) questioned why Korek Telecom is being targeted while claiming that Zain and Asiacell owe four times as much. He suggested that Zain and Asiacell are protected due to their financial contributions to militias and political parties, and because their internet packages are more expensive than Korek’s, hitting the interests of powerful groups. Najeh Abbas Al-Mizan (Post Impact: 9%) reinforced this view, contrasting the pardon and settlement granted to Nour Zuhair in the “theft of the century” case with the punishment of Korek, implying the company is being targeted simply because it is based in Erbil.

10. Burial of Yazidi Genocide Victims Mourned in Sinjar

The solemn burial of victims of the Yazidi genocide received attention, highlighting the ongoing path to justice. Nobel laureate Nadia Murad (Post Impact: 26%) announced that the remains of 32 victims had arrived at the Yazidi Genocide Memorial in Sinjar and were laid to rest. She stated their return is a “solemn reminder of the thousands still missing and the long road to justice that lies ahead.” In a related post, Haidar (Post Impact: 9%) reported that Nineveh Governorate directed its institutions to observe a minute of silence for the remains of 21 victims found in Hamam al-Alil and the 32 victims from Sinjar, all discovered in a mass grave from the era of the terrorist organization.