Based on an analysis of 471 trending X / Twitter posts on February 25, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discourse in Iraq. The most prominent themes included significant intra-Shia political maneuvering, highlighted by a high-impact post from an account associated with Muqtada al-Sadr, alongside widespread condemnation of historical and ongoing terrorism against the Shia community. Regionally, conversations focused heavily on the escalating tensions in Syria, particularly regarding Israeli military actions and the conduct of foreign militias. Domestically, the unexpected return of former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to Baghdad sparked considerable debate, while discussions also revolved around Iraq’s relationship with the United States, alleged corruption, and specific security incidents like a reported US operation at Najaf’s airport.

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

1. Sadrist Movement’s Stance Reasserted

A post by Leader’s Minister – Salih Muhammad al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 100%), an account affiliated with Muqtada al-Sadr, garnered the highest engagement by sharing historical excerpts from a letter by the late Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr to Sheikh Mohammed al-Yaqoubi. This move was interpreted as a reassertion of the Sadrist ideological lineage and position within Shia clerical circles. This narrative of Sadrist distinctiveness was echoed in other discussions, such as a post by Jaafar Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 34%), who questioned why the “Muqtadaist public, which claims resistance,” did not participate in the funeral processions for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, highlighting perceived rifts within the broader Shia political and religious landscape.

2. Condemnation of Anti-Shia Terrorism and Extremism

A powerful sentiment of grievance and condemnation regarding terrorism directed at the Shia community was a major theme. Dr. Hamid Abdullah (Post Impact: 93%) posted a widely shared statement arguing that “If terrorists, ISIS, and Takfiris had killed a quarter of the number of Israelis they killed of Shias, the Arab nation would be basking in glory!!!” This perspective links the suffering of the Shia community to regional conflicts and perceived double standards. In a similar vein, Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 61%) shared a video of the late Hassan Nasrallah, emphasizing a Shia commitment to the Palestinian cause, quoting him: “We, the Shia of Ali in the world, will not abandon Palestine… Say what you will! We will not leave Palestine!”

3. Tributes and Questions Follow Hassan Nasrallah’s Death

The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah continued to be a major topic, prompting both tributes and political commentary. Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 61%) shared a video of Nasrallah vowing to support Palestine, casting him as a martyr for the cause. Ahmed Abdulsada (Post Impact: 12%) posted from Nasrallah’s shrine, calling him the “Hussein of our time” and the leader of the resistance. Conversely, some posts questioned the unity of the “resistance axis,” with Jaafar Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 34%) pointing out the absence of Sadrist followers at his funeral. Former Prime Minister Adel Abdulmahdi (Post Impact: 9%) was also shown attending a memorial service for the late leader.

4. Growing Concerns Over Israeli Actions in Syria

The volatile situation in Syria, particularly concerning Israeli involvement, was a focal point of discussion. Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 28%) analyzed recent statements by Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting Israel has a plan against Syria and that Damascus might need a defense pact with Turkey to deter further intervention. Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 16%) claimed a deal was made to partition Syria, giving three southern provinces to Israel. Adding to this, Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 15%) criticized Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces for not confronting Israeli threats in the south, while Haidar (Post Impact: 5%) shared new remarks from Netanyahu stating, “We will not leave southern Syria… we will remain in the south for the foreseeable future.”

5. Former PM Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s Return Sparks Debate

The return of former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to Baghdad for the first time in two years generated significant online debate and speculation. Accounts like Haidar (Post Impact: 7%) and Hiba Al-Nnaayib (Post Impact: 5%) reported his arrival. Rafid Jaboori (Post Impact: 10%) analyzed the return as a strategic move to unify factions in Baghdad ahead of potential challenges, noting Kadhimi’s success in de-escalating tensions with the Trump administration previously. Others, such as Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 8%), questioned his return, asking why he was welcomed after being accused of serious crimes.

6. US-Iraq Relations Under Scrutiny Amid Iran Tensions

Iraq’s relationship with the United States, particularly concerning Iran’s influence, was a prominent topic. Ghaith Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 22%) cited sources claiming the US Secretary of State gave Prime Minister Al-Sudani an ultimatum of a “few days” to prove his leadership by cutting economic ties with Iran and arresting militia leaders. This was echoed by Omar Abdul Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 8%). In a related development, Haidar (Post Impact: 9%) reported that, according to the Iraqi Minister of Defense, Iraq and the US are close to signing a new security agreement focused on a sustainable partnership and intelligence cooperation.

7. Mystery Surrounds Reported US Operation at Najaf Airport

A mysterious security incident at Najaf International Airport fueled speculation across X. Inas Saad (Post Impact: 19%) reported on an alleged US airdrop operation at the airport to free a kidnapped Russian-Israeli citizen, Elizabeth Tsurkov, moments before she was to be transferred to Iran, resulting in the arrest of six Hezbollah militia members. Mazin AlEshaiker (Post Impact: 15%) included the “American landing at Najaf airport” in a list of recent events suggesting major security developments are underway. The lack of an official statement was noted by Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 5%), who pointed out that hours had passed without clarification, describing the incident as an exceptional breach of sovereignty.

8. Allegations of State Failure and Widespread Corruption

Discussions about government corruption and historical security failures were prevalent. Salim Al-Jomaili (Post Impact: 47%) shared a video of analyst Ahmed Al-Sharifi making the “dangerous” claim that “the car bombs that targeted Baghdad did not stop until the Americans threatened to strike the state behind them,” implying Iran. Another narrative on corruption was pushed by Mashan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 16%), who highlighted a scandal involving three Lebanese universities granting 27,000 fraudulent degrees. He noted the disaster that holders of these fake degrees received promotions and salary increases in Iraqi institutions, calling it an “exhaustion of public money and a blow to real competence.”

9. Viral Video Sparks Outrage Over Militia Conduct in Syria

A video shared by Haidar (Post Impact: 55%), described as the “most shared video in occupied Syria,” sparked outrage. The clip shows a Turkmenistani commander in a Syrian militia forcing distressed locals in Damascus to chant religious phrases like “Allahu Akbar” with commands such as “chant quickly.” The account states the commander shared the video among his peers to show his dominance over Syrians and encourage more fighters to come to the country, framing the incident as a humiliating display of foreign militia power over the local population.

10. Accusations of Treachery and Foreign Loyalty

Mutual accusations of being “agents” and loyal to foreign powers were a recurring theme in the online political discourse. Wesam Aziz (Post Impact: 17%) posted a video targeting figures like Omar Al-Jamal and Omar Al-Janabi, labeling them and others as “agents.” In turn, Omar Al-Janabi (Post Impact: 5%) posted a sharp criticism, stating that “an Arab loyal to Iran is not stupid… but he is despicable, trivial, vile, and has lost his zeal for his nation.” These posts reflect the deep polarization and mistrust within the Iraqi political conversation, where opponents are often delegitimized by being branded as traitors working for external interests.