Based on an analysis of 542 X / Twitter posts conducted by Miqrab AI on March 19, 2025, the primary narratives circulating in Iraq are dominated by a blend of domestic political maneuvering and regional instability. The most significant trend revolves around a pivotal statement from cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which has garnered immense engagement. Following closely are extensive discussions and condemnation of the unfolding political crisis in Turkey, where the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor has sparked widespread protests against President Erdoğan. Other key themes include regional conflicts, with a focus on Houthi military actions against Israeli and US targets, security incidents within Syria, and domestic Iraqi concerns such as security operations against ISIS and the PKK, and social commentary on corruption and clerical hypocrisy.

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

1. Muqtada al-Sadr Issues Directives to Saraya al-Salam

The most impactful story of the day comes from a statement issued by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. In a post shared by his official account, Muqtada Al-Sayyid Muhammad Al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%), he directs his affiliated paramilitary group, Saraya al-Salam, with several key points. As reported by accounts like Haidar (Post Impact: 4%) and Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 2%), the directives explicitly forbid the use of weapons inside or outside Iraq, stating that “the fate of the nation and the people is not determined by an individual or a group.” Al-Sadr also called on his followers to abandon sectarian rhetoric, warning it is harmful to Iraq, and instructed that in the event of foreign aggression against the country, they should refer to their religious authorities (“hawza”) and not to “the corrupt and unjust.”

2. Protests Erupt in Turkey After Mayor’s Arrest

A major topic of discussion is the political turmoil in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. Multiple accounts, including Wasan Alshayakhli (Post Impact: 31%) and Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 20%), report on large demonstrations aimed at toppling President Erdoğan’s government. The arrest of İmamoğlu and around 100 others on charges of corruption and supporting terrorism is described as a political move by Erdoğan to eliminate a rival. Commentators like Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 8%) and ZaidBenjamin (Post Impact: 4%) detail the government’s response, which includes shutting down parts of the Istanbul metro, cutting internet access, and restricting social media platforms. The narrative across these posts portrays Erdoğan as a “dictator” and expresses support for the Turkish people’s uprising.

3. Religious Commemorations for Imam Ali

Several highly engaged posts are dedicated to commemorating the anniversary of the wounding of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Accounts like Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 12%) and Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 8%) share religious and historical narratives praising Imam Ali’s virtues and his unwavering commitment to justice. These posts often recount the famous saying of the Prophet Muhammad, “Ali is with the truth and the truth is with Ali,” and detail his refusal to curse Imam Ali at the request of Muawiyah. Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 3%) also marked the occasion, stating that Ali represents a “nation, a curriculum, and a project.”

4. Al-Sadr Meets with Grand Ayatollah Sistani in Najaf

The meeting between Muqtada al-Sadr and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is another significant topic. Posts from Safaa Al-Asadi (Post Impact: 6%) and Alaa Alabadi (Post Impact: 3%) shared videos and commentary on al-Sadr’s visit to Sistani’s residence in Najaf. Users emphasize the exclusivity of the meeting, with Alabadi claiming that Sistani received al-Sadr while allegedly refusing to meet with other Shiite political leaders from the Coordination Framework, such as Nouri al-Maliki and Hadi al-Amiri, questioning the political implications of this reception.

5. Christians in Damascus Confront ‘Al-Jolani’s’ Group

A viral video depicts a confrontation in Damascus, drawing significant attention. Haidar (Post Impact: 28%) reports that Christians in the Bab Touma neighborhood of “occupied Damascus” expelled members of “al-Jolani’s elements” (referring to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) who had come to “spread their religion in Christian neighborhoods without any respect for religious diversity.” The incident is framed as an act of defiance by the local Christian community against the Islamist group’s presence and actions.

6. Houthis Claim Strikes on Israeli and US Military Targets

The conflict in the Red Sea region is highlighted by claims from Yemen’s Houthi movement. Muna Sami (Post Impact: 16%) reports that the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted Israel’s Nevatim airbase with a “Palestine 2” hypersonic ballistic missile and also struck the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman for the fourth time. The post frames these attacks as a response to “Israeli massacres” and the “starvation” of Palestinians in Gaza, praising Yemen’s actions. In contrast, Omar Abd Al-Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 7%) quotes former US President Donald Trump, who allegedly stated that the Houthis “will be completely eliminated.”

7. Iraqi Forces Clash with ISIS and PKK in Separate Incidents

Several posts report on recent Iraqi security operations against armed groups. The account Haidar (Post Impact: 7%) shared news of security forces killing three ISIS suicide bombers near Tuz Khurmatu in Salah al-Din province. The same account also reported on clashes between the Iraqi Army and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Sinjar after PKK members allegedly kidnapped a Yazidi citizen, leading to the citizen’s liberation and the arrest of five PKK members. Abu Drandesh Al-Askari (Post Impact: 4%) also reported on an ISIS attack in the Balkana area of Salah al-Din, where the Iraqi Army killed three attackers.

8. Russia Accused of Betraying Iranian-backed Groups

A narrative of mistrust towards Russia is circulating among Iraqi commentators. Wasan Alshayakhli (Post Impact: 16%) claims that “The bear [Russia] agreed to the striking of the Popular Mobilization Forces,” warning followers not to trust Russia. This sentiment is echoed by Ghaith Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 4%), who alleges that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed with Donald Trump to “sell out” Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a deal related to the war in Ukraine.

9. Iraqi Justice Minister’s Comments on Prison Conditions Spark Outrage

A statement by Iraq’s Minister of Justice, Khalid Shwani, has ignited controversy on social media. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 5%) reports the minister’s “shocking” admission that the “sale of ‘pretty boys’ exists in Iraqi prisons.” This has led to broader criticism from commentators like Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 10%), who condemns religious figures for being preoccupied with minor issues like football matches while ignoring severe societal problems such as exploitation in prisons, drug trafficking, and other crises plaguing the country.

10. US Halts Sanctions Waivers, Prompting Warnings in Iraq

Concerns are growing over US economic policy towards Iraq. Both Hisham Ali (Post Impact: 4%) and Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 2%) reported on a statement from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who said he was informed by American officials that their decision to end sanctions waivers for Iraq is irreversible. This has led to warnings to “get ready for a harsh summer,” suggesting potential economic and electrical power challenges for the country.