Based on an analysis of 551 X / Twitter posts trending on March 14, 2025, Miqrab AI found that the primary narrative dominating Iraqi social media is the widespread outrage over an official visit by the new Syrian Foreign Minister, who users identify as a former terrorist leader. This event overshadowed other significant topics, including a major counter-terrorism success announced by the Prime Minister involving the killing of a top ISIS leader. Other key conversations revolved around domestic security failures highlighted by the murder of a journalist, public skepticism towards politicians’ claims, and discussions on Iraq’s foreign policy, particularly its pledge to aid Syria’s reconstruction which drew significant criticism.

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

1. Syrian Foreign Minister’s Visit to Baghdad Sparks Outrage

The visit of the new Syrian Foreign Minister, identified as Asaad al-Shaybani (also known as Abu Aisha al-Shaybani), to Baghdad has triggered a firestorm of condemnation across Iraqi X / Twitter. Accounts like Dr. Ahmad Alabbasi (Post Impact: 100%) and Haidar (Post Impact: 37%) described him as a leader in Al-Qaeda and Jabhat al-Nusra, with Alabbasi calling him the “slaughterer of Shiites.” Users such as Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 21%) and Ahmad Abdulsada (Post Impact: 10%) explicitly linked al-Shaybani to the 2013 Hatla massacre, where dozens of Shiite civilians were killed. Muna Sami (Post Impact: 48%) sarcastically commented that had ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi survived, he would be the one receiving the Syrian minister in Baghdad. The anger is largely directed at the Iraqi government and Prime Minister Al-Sudani for officially welcoming a figure with such a violent history against Iraqis and other regional minorities.

2. Iraqi Forces Kill Senior ISIS Leader ‘Abu Khadija’

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani (Post Impact: 41%) announced a major counter-terrorism victory, confirming the killing of Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, known as ‘Abu Khadija.’ Al-Sudani described the operative as one of the most dangerous terrorists in Iraq and the world, holding positions within ISIS as the so-called ‘deputy caliph,’ ‘governor of Iraq and Syria,’ and head of foreign operations. The operation was carried out by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service with support from the Joint Operations Command and the International Coalition. The news was widely shared and praised by figures like Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 6%) and news aggregator accounts like Haidar (Post Impact: 8%), who celebrated the elimination of a high-value target and congratulated the Iraqi security forces on the important achievement.

3. Anger Over Killing of Journalist Laith Mohammed

The death of journalist Laith Mohammed has prompted expressions of grief and anger, with many users blaming a state of lawlessness and the proliferation of illegal weapons. Raghad Saddam Hussein (Post Impact: 27%) mourned the journalist’s death, attributing it to an “arrogant, backed-up individual” and the absence of a “real state” that can enforce the law and protect its citizens. Emad Bajalan (Post Impact: 17%) shared a video with purported information about the alleged killer, identified as ‘Alaa.’ The conversation highlights deep-seated frustration with the security situation and the perception that influential individuals can act with impunity.

4. New Saudi-Funded Stadium Nears Completion in Baghdad

A post from Haidar (Post Impact: 61%) highlighted the advanced preparations for the opening of a new sports city in Baghdad, a gift from Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to Iraq in 2017. According to the post, the Iraqi and Saudi sports ministries have set Eid al-Fitr as the final date for the inauguration. The stadium, located near the new city of Bismayah, is part of an integrated sports complex and has a capacity of 86,000 spectators. The news was presented as a positive development in Iraqi-Saudi relations and a significant addition to Iraq’s sports infrastructure.

5. Iraq’s Rebuilding Pledge for Syria Draws Criticism

Following the controversial visit of the Syrian Foreign Minister, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office officially stated its readiness to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction. The statement, shared by the Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 6%) and Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 10%), was met with sharp criticism online. Haidar (Post Impact: 25%) posted a critical comment suggesting the aid would come “From the Shiites’ oil,” implying that Iraqi resources would be used to support a regime seen as hostile to the Shiite community. Ahmed Al_thawaq (Post Impact: 9%) also pointed out the hypocrisy of those who previously rejected aid for Lebanon but now demand it for Syria, labeling them “Erdogan’s tails.”

6. Minister Mocked for Claiming Saddam Assassination Attempt

A claim by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed al-Asadi, that he attempted to assassinate former President Saddam Hussein in Tikrit in 1994 has been met with widespread ridicule and skepticism. Accounts like Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 15%) questioned the story’s veracity, writing, “What are these heroics that we have not heard of before!?” Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 7%) dismissed the claim as “Ramadan jokes,” and Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 5%) also reported on the minister’s statement. The online reaction suggests a general disbelief and mockery of what many perceive as a baseless and self-aggrandizing political statement.

7. Viral Video Shows PMF Commander Abu Azrael Falling Asleep

A video clip showing prominent Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) commander Abu Azrael apparently dozing off during an interview has gone viral, sparking amusement online. Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 36%) shared the video, noting that Abu Azrael “took a nap after an embarrassing question” posed by interviewer Mohammed Jabbar. The same clip was shared by Asaad Al_Basri (Post Impact: 9%), who commented that the moment was “strong.” The incident provided a moment of levity and was widely circulated as a humorous observation of a well-known public figure.

8. Purported Trump Letter to Iran Sparks Geopolitical Debate

A discussion on US-Iran relations emerged after Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 16%) shared the text of what is claimed to be a letter from former US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The letter reportedly offers to lift sanctions in exchange for cooperation but also threatens “devastating” destruction if Iran pursues confrontation. This prompted analysis from other users, such as Dhafer Alani (Post Impact: 11%), who argued that Iran’s regional influence and support for militias are the “core of their strategy” and will not be abandoned unless the regime’s survival is at stake.

9. Protests Erupt in Iraqi Cities Against Syrian FM’s Visit

In response to the official reception of the Syrian Foreign Minister in Baghdad, reports of street protests emerged from several Iraqi cities. Ahmed Al_thawaq (Post Impact: 16%) noted widespread popular rejection of the visit across the central and southern provinces. More specifically, Sabereen news (Post Impact: 7%) reported on demonstrations taking place in Sadr City, Baghdad. Additionally, Abumustafa Al-Khafaji (Post Impact: 4%) shared a video of protests in front of the Foreign Ministry’s representative office in Basra, indicating that the online outrage was translating into real-world action.

10. Growing Tensions Between Turkey and Iran Discussed

The tense relationship between regional powers Turkey and Iran was a topic of discussion, highlighted by posts from Omar Abdulsatar (Post Impact: 8%). He shared a video analysis about the escalating friction between the two countries. In a related post, Omar Abdulsatar (Post Impact: 7%) quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who stated that “Iran’s policy, which it continues through its militias in the region, carries great risks.” The commentary points to ongoing concern among Iraqi observers about the potential for conflict and instability stemming from the strategic competition between its powerful neighbors.