Based on an analysis of 405 Facebook posts on February 23, 2025, Miqrab AI identified that the dominant narrative in Iraq centered on a severe polar cold wave sweeping the country, leading to widespread discussion about its impact, forecasts of snow, and consequential decisions regarding school closures. Other significant trends included extensive reactions to the funeral of a major Lebanese political and military figure in Beirut, alongside domestic political news involving Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s activities, such as honoring an Iraqi doctor and meeting with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Conversations also touched upon local events like the Erbil beauty pageant and official government communications.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Extreme Cold Wave and Snowfall Forecasts Across Iraq

Multiple Facebook pages reported on a powerful polar wave causing a significant drop in temperatures across Iraq, with forecasts of snow in various regions. Telescope Iraq (Post Impact: 13%) warned that the wind chill in Baghdad could reach five degrees below zero and urged parents to dress their children warmly for school. Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 10%) noted that Baghdad was experiencing very cold weather with expectations of snowfall. Citing the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 9%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 9%) reported statements from the Meteorological Authority that the cold wave is expected to end on the upcoming Thursday, February 27. Pages such as Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 6%) also shared forecasts predicting snowfall in provinces including Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Duhok, Salah al-Din, Erbil, and Nineveh.

2. Mourning and Reactions to Death of Lebanese Leader

The death and funeral of a prominent Lebanese leader, widely implied to be Hezbollah’s leader, was a major topic of discussion. A video posted by Mustafa Sanad – Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 100%) from Beirut showed scenes from the funeral, with the caption mentioning “funeral and burial,” “the appearance of the master’s sons,” and “enemy’s sorties.” Other pages provided more context, with The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 2%) reporting that Israeli F-35 and F-15 fighter jets flew at a very low altitude over the mourners in Beirut, quoting the Israeli Defense Minister as saying it was a clear message that “any person who threatens us, this will be his end.” Pages like Muna Sami (Post Impact: 8%) shared eulogies, including a poem in praise of “Nasrallah,” while lawmaker Dr. Haider Al-Salami (Post Impact: 7%) posted a tribute celebrating the figure as a “master of the resistance.”

3. Parliamentary Committee Urges Nationwide School Closures

In response to the severe cold wave, the Iraqi Parliament’s Education Committee officially called on the Minister of Education to suspend classes. Iraqi News Center (Post Impact: 10%) and Al-Khuwa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 9%) both reported that the parliamentary committee urged the minister to declare Monday an official holiday for all schools to protect students from the harsh weather. The call was echoed by individual members of parliament, with Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 8%) sharing a post about a deputy who wished for the Minister of Education to cancel school. This collective push from parliamentary bodies highlighted the seriousness of the weather conditions and the political pressure to take protective measures for students.

4. PM Sudani Honors Doctor for Humanitarian Aid

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s decision to honor Dr. Mohammed Taher was widely praised on social media. According to posts by Baghdad (Post Impact: 11%) and Al-Qasr Al-Hukumi (Post Impact: 3%), the Prime Minister directed that Dr. Taher be granted a diplomatic passport and a residential housing unit in central Baghdad. The pages stated that this was in appreciation of the “noble and brave humanitarian contribution” he provided. This gesture was framed as a well-deserved recognition for the “hero doctor” following his visit to his home country, Iraq.

5. PM Sudani Discusses Lifting European Airspace Ban with IATA

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani met with a delegation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), led by Vice President Kamil Al-Awadhi, to discuss lifting the European ban on Iraqi Airways. The Prime Minister’s official page, Al-Mohandis Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 11%), reported that the meeting reviewed Iraq’s efforts and the progress made on the plan to meet the requirements for lifting the ban. A similar post by Wahed Hukuma (Post Impact: 2%) noted that Al-Awadhi stated the corrective plan’s completion rate has reached 56%, indicating it is on the right track. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government gives this file the utmost importance and is working to develop the airline’s facilities and adhere to international standards.

6. Provinces Announce School Closures and Modified Schedules

Following calls from lawmakers and public concern over the cold wave, several provincial governments took action by suspending school or adjusting schedules. Iraqeen W Bas – Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 4%) reported that the governor of Nineveh announced a school holiday, joining the provinces of Kirkuk and Salah al-Din in their decisions. Ayun Baghdadiah (Post Impact: 4%) also confirmed the closures in Kirkuk and Salah al-Din. Other provinces made adjustments instead of full closures, as reported by Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 6%), which stated that the Wasit Education Directorate decided to delay the start of the school day to 9:00 AM for the entire week. Announcements for holidays in Najaf, Diwaniyah, Babil, and Muthanna were also shared by pages like Nafs Iraq (Post Impact: 3%) and Al-Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 2%).

7. Erbil Beauty Pageant Generates Social Media Buzz

A beauty pageant held in Erbil to select “Miss and Mister Erbil” captured attention on Facebook. The page of media personality Al-I’lami Qahtan Adnan (Post Impact: 11%) featured an interview from his show “Al-Ghassala” with Judi Al-Basrawiya, who was identified as “Miss Erbil” due to her kind heart. Another page, Ahdath Erbil (Post Impact: 2%), shared a video showing the judging committee for the event, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process. The posts highlighted the social and cultural aspects of the event, drawing engagement from users interested in the competition and its participants.

8. Interior Minister Commends Border Guards Amidst Cold Wave

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari issued a statement praising the security forces, particularly the border police, for their service during the extremely cold weather. The statement was shared on the Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 4%) and the official Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 2%) pages. In his message, Al-Shammari expressed solidarity with the forces, stating, “We are supposed to be with you in this cold weather to be blessed with what you are rewarded for in protecting the cities and ramparts of our dear homeland.” He concluded by saluting the patience and dedication of the forces, calling them the “protectors of Iraq.”

9. Authorities Encourage Biometric Voter Registration

Government and religious bodies posted calls for citizens to participate in the voter registration process. The Independent High Electoral Commission (Post Impact: 2%) shared a graphic emphasizing that biometric registration is an essential condition for participating in the electoral process. In a related effort, the Al-Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 2%) reported that the Sunni Waqf (Endowment) is calling on citizens to update their electoral records. The Waqf’s statement stressed the importance of this action to ensure citizens can exercise their constitutional right to elect their representatives.

10. Pope Francis Reportedly Ill, Asks for Prayers

A report concerning the health of Pope Francis circulated on Facebook, drawing significant engagement. The page Al-Khuwa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 28%) stated that Pope Francis has been afflicted with pneumonia. According to the post, the Pope has requested that the faithful pray for him during his illness. The post was accompanied by an image of the pontiff, and the news prompted expressions of concern and well-wishes from users in the comments.