Miqrab AI’s analysis of 444 trending Facebook posts in Iraq on April 20, 2025, reveals a diverse range of public conversations, from highly engaged sports discussions to significant political developments and viral human-interest stories. The most prominent narratives included Real Madrid’s latest victory, the controversial release of former MP Ahmed al-Alwani, and calls from the Sadrist movement for followers to update their voter registration cards. Social media also buzzed with controversy surrounding religious cleric Ali al-Talaqani and heartfelt stories celebrating personal achievements. Conversations also touched on persistent public service issues, such as electricity shortages, and security concerns related to regional figures.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Real Madrid Secures Victory Over Athletic Bilbao

Sports commentary dominated Facebook engagement as pages celebrated Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the 32nd round of the Spanish league. The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 72%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 5%) reported on the win, noting that it reduces the gap with league leader Barcelona to just four points. The pages highlighted the intensity of the competition. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 14%) described how Federico Valverde scored a beautiful goal in the 93rd minute, which “wiped the joy of Eid off the faces of the Catalans.” Pages like Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 5%) also shared the news, stating that the win “ignites the competition.”

2. Cleric Ali al-Talaqani Criticized for Conduct

Religious cleric Sayyid Ali al-Talaqani faced sharp criticism across several Facebook pages for his actions during a sermon. According to From Baghdad (Post Impact: 29%) and Khan Jaghan (Post Impact: 9%), al-Talaqani ordered the doors of the council hall to be closed, preventing attendees from leaving. He reportedly justified his actions by telling the audience, “I am a Sayyid, a son of the Messenger of God, you must obey me!” The pages described the incident as a display of religious authority and an attempt to impose personal reverence. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 30%) also commented on the event, sarcastically noting that a “Sayyid” ordered the detention of attendees because his mood was disturbed.

3. Sadrists Call for Voter Card Updates Before Deadline

Leading figures associated with the Sadrist movement issued calls for their supporters to update their electoral cards before the registration period closes. Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hakem al-Zamili (Post Impact: 38%) noted that many people, especially youth, have not updated their cards under the pretext of boycotting the elections. He urged them to register, stating, “Do not waste your right and your opportunity for change through boycotting… Your cards are a trust… and updating is a duty.” This message was echoed by pages like Hussam Al-Haj (Post Impact: 15%) and Salem Mashkour (Post Impact: 6%), who amplified al-Zamili’s call for followers to “be responsible and update your cards.”

4. Former MP Ahmed al-Alwani Released from Prison

Multiple pages reported on the release of former parliamentarian Ahmed al-Alwani after he spent years in prison. According to Ahmed AlHamdani (Post Impact: 18%), al-Alwani was freed after spending 12 years imprisoned “unjustly and aggressively.” The Authentic Iraqi (Post Impact: 8%) and Al Hadath Iraq (Post Impact: 6%) noted that he was included in the general amnesty law, despite having been sentenced to death for the murder of two Iraqi soldiers. Pages like Yalla (Post Impact: 4%) reported that the timing of his release suggests a political deal related to upcoming electoral alliances, while video from Anbar My Province (Post Impact: 17%) showed his reception after leaving prison.

5. Grandfather’s Pride in Granddaughter’s Graduation Goes Viral

A heartwarming post celebrating a young woman’s academic achievement garnered significant attention on Facebook. The page East of Iraq (Post Impact: 81%) shared a photo of Sheikh Adnan Hussein al-Jumaili from Anbar province proudly celebrating the graduation of his granddaughter, Dr. Ikhlas Saeed Fares al-Jumaili, from the College of Medicine at Fallujah University. The Sheikh posted the photo with the caption, “My daughter’s daughter and I am her grandfather… we congratulate her on her graduation and wish her success.” The page reported that thousands of Iraqis reacted to the post, congratulating the family and viewing the moment as a reflection of family pride and the success of Iraqi women.

6. Official Accused of Colluding on Electricity Cuts

Public discontent over electricity shortages was fueled by a post accusing generator owners of corruption. The page Breaking News (Post Impact: 63%) cited a member of the Baghdad Provincial Council who claimed there is an agreement between private generator owners and government power stations. The official alleged that the power stations intentionally cut electricity during the first week of the month to “force the citizen to pay the subscription at the prices they want.” This accusation suggests a coordinated effort to exploit citizens who rely on private generators to compensate for the shortcomings of the national power grid.

7. Speculation on Dancer “Umm al-Lool’s” Future

Social media users discussed the potential release of the controversial online personality known as “Umm al-Lool.” The page The Authentic Iraqi (Post Impact: 61%) reported that if released, she will not return to her dancing profession or “go down the wrong path again.” The post claims she intends to retire from that field entirely and start her own private business away from dancing. The page concluded by expressing hope for her release, stating, “We ask God to release her as soon as possible.” This post suggests a narrative of repentance and a desire for a new beginning for the public figure.

8. Iraqi Christians Celebrate Easter Sunday

Facebook pages shared messages of goodwill and celebration as Iraqi Christians observed Easter. The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 21%) explained that Easter is one of the most important religious holidays, marking the end of the 40-day period of Lent and commemorating the resurrection of Christ. Similarly, MP Dr. Haider Al-Salami (Post Impact: 5%) extended his congratulations to the Christian community in Iraq. In his message, he emphasized the need for Iraq to be “a home for social coexistence among all its original components” and called on the government to ensure a safe and dignified life for all minorities.

9. Sadrists Show Solidarity with Attacked Artist

Followers of Muqtada al-Sadr expressed solidarity with artist Mohammed Hussein Abdul Rahim after he was reportedly attacked. Hussam Al-Haj (Post Impact: 8%) reported that Muqtada al-Sadr personally called the artist and sent his “jihadist aide” to check on his well-being. This was confirmed by Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 5%), which praised the gesture of support. In a related post, The Zelma (Post Impact: 8%) sarcastically commented that since the artist received Iraqi citizenship, he must now experience the “true feeling of an Iraqi citizen,” which includes being oppressed and attacked.

10. Opposition to Potential Visit by Syrian Leader al-Sharaa

Political parties and figures voiced their opposition to the potential visit of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as al-Jolani, to attend the upcoming Baghdad summit. Hussam Al-Haj (Post Impact: 5%) shared a statement from the Dawa Party rejecting the invitation, declaring that “Iraqi blood is not cheap enough to invite someone who violated it to Baghdad.” This sentiment was shared by MP Nedaa Hassan Madi (Post Impact: 5%), who announced a parliamentary effort to issue a resolution refusing al-Sharaa’s entry into Iraq due to his past “terrorist acts” and outstanding arrest warrants. The page Adhamiya News (Post Impact: 8%) also reported that Baghdad rejected threats from the Syrian President and affirmed its sovereign decision-making regarding the summit.