Based on an analysis of 433 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI on March 15, 2025, the dominant narratives in Iraq revolve around national pride, regional security concerns, and popular culture. The most engaging topic was the widespread praise for the television series “The Captain,” which chronicles the heroism of intelligence officer Harith al-Sudani, reflecting a deep appreciation for national sacrifices. Concurrently, there was significant attention on developing international events, particularly the announcement of US military strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen led by former President Trump. On the domestic front, viral entertainment clips, discussions about controversial Ramadan TV series, and updates on the health of public figures captured significant user engagement, while official communications from political and religious leaders also maintained a strong presence.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Praise for TV Series on Heroism of Capt. Harith al-Sudani

A Ramadan television series titled “The Captain,” documenting the life and sacrifice of Iraqi intelligence officer Harith Abd Ali al-Sudani, has captured the hearts of viewers and dominated social media conversations. Pages like Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 69%) and Baghdad (Post Impact: 48%) are hailing al-Sudani as a national hero. The Baghdad page recalls a New York Times article that described him as “the greatest intelligence agent in the most dangerous terrorist organization.” Al-Sudani, who used the code name “Abu Suhaib,” infiltrated the terrorist organization for 16 months, successfully thwarting 30 military attacks and 18 suicide operations before he was discovered and killed in 2017. Iraq 24 states that the series has documented for future generations the painful memories of that era, showing that “the security we live in did not come without the sacrifices of Harith and thousands of heroes.” Pages like Support for the Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 11%) also shared clips related to the fallen captain.

2. US Announces Military Strikes Against Houthi Forces in Yemen

A major international story circulating on Iraqi Facebook pages is the announcement of US military strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. Pages report that former US President Donald Trump has initiated the attacks and is personally overseeing the operations. Al-Khwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 40%) quoted Trump as saying: “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we achieve our goals, and I say to them, your time is up.” Similarly, Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 21%) reported that Trump was supervising the operations alongside Secretary of State Rubio and his National Security Advisor. The US Central Command also released videos and photos of the ongoing bombardment, as shared by Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 25%). Some analysis, shared by The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 4%), suggests the goal is to open a safe passage in the Red Sea for international shipping.

3. Viral Comedy and Entertainment Videos Gain Massive Traction

Lighthearted and comedic content proved highly popular, with several short video clips achieving significant engagement. The top-performing post across the entire dataset was from Alaa batti (Post Impact: 100%), featuring a humorous interaction with the “tallest man in the world.” Another highly viral video came from Aziz Nasser (Post Impact: 67%), which showed a woman comically stating she sold her broken refrigerator for only 3,000 dinars. Content creator Alaa batti (Post Impact: 31%) also shared another popular reel with a comedic sketch. Additionally, a clip from the show “Qitt Ahmar 5” posted by Ahmed Waheed (Post Impact: 37%) circulated widely, highlighting the strong appetite for short-form entertainment among Iraqi audiences.

4. Artist Raad Al-Nasiri Hospitalized Due to Health Scare

News of artist Raad Al-Nasiri’s sudden health issue spread across Facebook, prompting messages of support and calls for prayers from his fans. The page Nabdh Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 33%) was among the first to report the news, stating that the veteran artist had suffered a health setback and was currently in the hospital, in need of prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. This was echoed by Akher Al-Ahdath Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 9%), which confirmed that Al-Nasiri was hospitalized after a “sudden health ailment” and was asking for prayers from the public.

5. Muqtada al-Sadr Communicates with Followers During Ramadan

The official Facebook page for Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was active, sharing his communications with his followers. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 33%) shared a screenshot of a post made by al-Sadr on the social media platform “X.” In another post, the same page (Post Impact: 19%) published the cleric’s answers to questions posed by his followers on the night of the 15th of Ramadan. A third update from the office (Post Impact: 7%) showed worshippers reviving the nights of Ramadan at the Fatima al-Zahra Mosque in Najaf, as part of a program directed by al-Sadr.

6. Iraqi Security Forces Announce Killing of Senior ISIS Leader

Iraqi security forces, in coordination with international partners, announced the killing of a high-ranking ISIS leader, generating discussion on security-focused pages. The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (Icts) (Post Impact: 8%) page reported that the force that carried out the operation in the Rutba desert was honored. The target was identified as Abdullah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” who was described as the so-called “deputy caliph” and “governor of Iraq and Syria.” The page Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 6%) published a detailed fact-check, confirming the news and debunking false claims from 2023 that had previously announced his death. The U.S. Embassy Baghdad (Post Impact: 5%) also shared a statement from President Donald Trump celebrating the operation.

7. PM Al-Sudani Meets with Citizens and French President Macron

The official page of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani reported on several of his official activities. In one post, Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 16%) detailed a meeting with a delegation of residents from the Al-Shuala area in Baghdad to listen to their service-related and social concerns. The Prime Minister’s page also covered a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 12%), where they discussed regional stability, the upcoming Baghdad conference, and strengthening bilateral relations. Another post highlighted the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of Iraq and neighboring countries.

8. Horror Series “Al-Channa” Sparks Fear and Debate Online

The Iraqi horror series “Al-Channa” (The Daughter-in-law) has become a topic of widespread debate and fear, especially following its final episode. The page East of Iraq (Post Impact: 18%) compiled viewer reactions, noting that while some praised it as a new and unique Iraqi production, many found it too frightening for Ramadan. The page shared anecdotes from female viewers who expressed intense fear after watching, with one saying, “I’m now scared to go to the bathroom alone, I ask my husband to stand outside the door!” and another admitting she stopped waking up for Suhur because she was afraid to enter the kitchen at night. Al-Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 3%) also described the show as the “most terrifying series in the Arab world.”

9. Al-Halbousi and Al-Amiri Meet to Discuss Political Situation

A high-level political meeting took place between Mohammed Al-Halbousi, head of the Taqaddum Party, and Hadi Al-Amiri, the Secretary-General of the Badr Organization. According to the official page of Mohammed Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 10%), the two leaders discussed the political situation in the country and regional developments, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between political forces. A more lighthearted take on the meeting was offered by Majid Saleem (Post Impact: 5%), who humorously commented on the similarity of their attire, asking, “Did Halbousi take Amiri’s jacket, or did Amiri take Halbousi’s pants?!!!”

10. Citizens Urge Government to Suspend Loan Deductions for Eid

A public appeal directed at Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is gaining traction online, calling for the suspension of personal loan deductions for government employees and retirees for the current month. The page Maher Mouhi::The Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 11%) shared the demand, explaining that the request is being made on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday to ease financial burdens. The same call to action was posted by Nafs Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 3%), indicating a shared sentiment among citizens for temporary financial relief during the festive period.