Based on an analysis of (580) X / Twitter posts trending on March 4, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key themes and narratives dominating online discussions in Iraq. The most prominent story, driving significant engagement, was the widespread Iraqi condemnation of sectarian chants against the holy city of Karbala during a funeral in Syria for a member of an armed group. This sparked a broader conversation on sectarianism, Iraqi sovereignty, and relations with Syria. Domestically, statements by political and militia leader Qais al-Khazali were a major topic; he accused Iraqi officials of lobbying the US against Iraqi institutions and commemorated fallen “resistance” fighters. Other significant discussions included the controversy surrounding the arrest of a citizen for raising a pre-2008 Iraqi flag, tribal violence in Najaf, and the political fallout from a controversial interview with politician Adnan al-Zurfi regarding potential US sanctions. Regional and international affairs, particularly the Arab Summit, Iran’s shifting strategy in Syria, and a reported halt in US aid to Ukraine under President Trump, also featured heavily in the Iraqi social media landscape.

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

1. Outrage Over Anti-Karbala Chants at Syrian Funeral

Iraqi social media users widely condemned sectarian chants made during the funeral of Qassim Jamous, reportedly a member of Jabhat al-Nusra, in Damascus. Accounts shared videos of mourners chanting “We will carry the banner and continue the march to Karbala and the Dahiya.” Haider (Post Impact: 39%) described Jamous as the owner of the “coming for you, Karbala” chant who died in a “joyful traffic accident.” Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 100%) questioned the motives of such individuals, describing it as “intellectual disability, religious deviation, psychopathic orientation, and a criminal spirit.” In another post, Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 74%) called the chanters “terrorists but stupid,” asking what Karbala had to do with Jamous’s death in a car accident in Syria. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 37%) issued a warning to those threatening Iraq from Syria, stating that despite internal problems, Iraqis would unite against any external threat. Similarly, Omar Habeeb (Post Impact: 23%) called the chants “barbaric behavior” that undermines principles of good neighborliness.

2. Khazali Accuses Iraqi Officials of Lobbying Against Iraq in the US

Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, claimed that certain Iraqi state leaders and institutions are using state funds to lobby against Iraq in the United States. In a video clip shared by his official account, Qais al-Khazali (Post Impact: 35%) stated that these figures pay lobbyists “to accuse the political process, the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi judiciary so that the United States of America takes measures to punish Iraqi state institutions!!” This accusation was widely circulated by other accounts. Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 10%) and Emad Al Musafir (Post Impact: 6%) both shared the video of Khazali’s speech. In a separate but related comment from the same speech, Omar al-Janabi (Post Impact: 13%) noted what he called “a new tone” from Khazali, who attributed Iraq’s stability to the sacrifices of armed factions rather than the blessings of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

3. Discussions at the Arab Summit in Cairo

The emergency Arab Summit held in Cairo was a topic of discussion, with users sharing various developments. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 29%) highlighted a speech by the Lebanese President, who said, “When Beirut is occupied, Damascus is destroyed, Amman is threatened, Baghdad groans, or Sana’a falls… it is impossible for anyone to claim that this is for the victory of Palestine.” Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 7%) reported, citing Bloomberg, that Arab leaders were discussing a 150-page plan to rebuild Gaza, with details to be finalized later in Saudi Arabia with Islamic parties including Iran and Turkey. In another post, Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 17%) added that while Saudi Arabia supports removing Hamas’s militant leadership, it believes in dealing with “moderate” elements, whereas the UAE insists on a complete restructuring of the Palestinian Authority.

4. “Resistance Martyr’s Day” Commemorations

Accounts affiliated with Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq commemorated “Resistance Martyr’s Day,” marking the anniversary of the deaths of several commanders. The group’s leader, Qais al-Khazali (Post Impact: 27%), posted a tribute to the “constellation of martyrs” who died a decade ago, naming commanders Mahdi al-Kinani, Abu Sadiqa al-Jamali, and Abu Zahra al-Harishawi as having been sacrificed “for the religion of God and in defense of this nation.” In a separate post, Khazali (Post Impact: 25%) stated that the families of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) martyrs feel proud of their sons’ achievements. Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 19%) also marked the occasion by sharing a photo of deceased commanders, including Wisam al-Ulyawi and Mahdi al-Kinani, noting, “Everyone in the picture is a martyr.”

5. Arrest Over 2004-2008 Iraqi Flag Sparks Controversy

The arrest of a citizen for raising a former version of the Iraqi flag on his house generated debate and criticism of the authorities. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 24%) demanded the man’s release, sarcastically calling for the arrest of the entire 2007 national football team for raising the same flag, stating, “You’ve made us a laughingstock for the Milky Way.” In a follow-up post, Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 19%) clarified that the flag in question was the official one from 2004 to 2008, approved by the Iraqi Governing Council, which changed the script of “Allahu Akbar” to Kufic while keeping the three stars. He criticized the Ministry of Interior, asking, “So you, the Interior Ministry, arrested a citizen for raising the flag of this era… you don’t even know the history of the flag!?”

6. Analysis of Iran’s Shifting Role in Syria

The strategic implications of Iran’s apparent withdrawal from Syria were analyzed by social media commentators. Asaad Al-Basri (Post Impact: 20%) argued that “Iran’s withdrawal from Syria has put the Sunnis in a confrontation with Israel,” and that Israel is now losing the “sectarian siege” it had imposed on the Palestinian cause. In another post, Al-Basri (Post Impact: 17%) asserted that for years Arab nations “hid behind Iran” in facing Israel, but now that Iran has withdrawn, the “Israeli weight fell on them alone.” He concluded that this move, despite its costs, would ultimately be in Iran’s favor, questioning why Tehran should bear the burden alone while others conspire against it.

7. Controversy Surrounding the “Dari” Housing Project

The “Dari” housing project, launched under the previous government of Mustafa al-Kadhimi, has become a point of political contention. Salam Al-Husseini (Post Impact: 18%) highlighted a contradiction between the current Minister of Housing, Bangin Rekani, who dismissed “Dari” as a “Facebook project,” and a video of the head of the Prime Minister’s advisory board discussing the project’s details. He also claimed that over ninety percent of the projects currently being inaugurated were approved and started by the previous government. MP Alia Nassif (Post Impact: 9%) described the project as a “hoax” and asked, “How many poor Iraqis dreamed of living with their families under a roof that protects them and preserves their dignity in the phantom ‘Dari’ project?”

8. Reports of Violent Tribal Clashes in Najaf and Kufa

Several accounts reported on a violent tribal conflict in the Kufa area of Najaf governorate, criticizing the security response. Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 15%) posted a video of the clashes between the Al-Hawatim and Al-Bu Hdari tribes, noting that the new Najaf police chief and the governor, who is from the Al-Hikma Movement, were “missing.” Another post by Eljuboori (Post Impact: 8%) questioned who was responsible for the security breaches now that the Sadrist Movement is inactive in government. Mustafa al-Dulaymi (Post Impact: 5%) described the scene as painting “the true picture of the government and its control over weapons,” suggesting a double standard where such an incident in a Sunni area would have prompted a much harsher response.

9. Adnan Al-Zurfi’s Interview on US Sanctions and Factions

Statements made by politician Adnan al-Zurfi in a television interview regarding US policy toward Iraq and armed factions were widely discussed. Salim al-Jumaili (Post Impact: 14%) provided a lengthy summary of what he termed al-Zurfi’s “dangerous statements,” including predictions that PMF salaries and assets would come under US scrutiny and sanctions. Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 9%) highlighted al-Zurfi’s specific warning that payment companies handling PMF salaries, such as Qi Card and Switch, would “face accountability.” Similarly, Omar Abdulsattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 8%) also shared a clip focusing on the threat to PMF salaries. Dr. Ghalib Al-Da’ami (Post Impact: 9%) summarized al-Zurfi’s point that Iraq’s hosting of various groups hostile to neighboring countries has pushed those countries to host anti-Iraqi parties in return.

10. Reports of US Halting Aid to Ukraine Under Trump

A significant international development trending in Iraq was the reported decision by US President Donald Trump to halt all military aid to Ukraine. Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 12%) first reported the directive. He later followed up with a post citing the Washington Post, confirming that the Trump administration decided to stop future military aid deliveries after a meeting of senior officials at the White House, as shared by Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 8%). Reacting to the news, Rafid Jaboori (Post Impact: 11%) reported that Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed regret over past events with President Trump and is now ready to work quickly under Trump’s “strong leadership” to reach an agreement to end the war.