Based on an analysis of 447 Facebook posts trending on April 24, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discourse in Iraq. The most prominent story, generating significant outrage and debate, was the release of former MP Ahmed al-Alwani, who had been convicted of killing soldiers. Other major topics included the nationwide commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq by political and religious figures, tragic crime stories such as the murder of an Iraqi citizen in Syria and a young girl in Diyala, and analysis of regional politics, particularly a statement by Iran’s Supreme Leader. Discussions also covered domestic affairs, including government development projects, official clarifications from security services, and lighthearted celebrity news.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Outrage Over Release of Former MP Ahmed al-Alwani

The release of former parliamentarian Ahmed al-Alwani, who was previously convicted for the killing of soldiers, has ignited a firestorm of controversy across Iraqi Facebook pages. The page Hayder Al-Hamdany (Post Impact: 100%) expressed shock and anger with a post titled, “From the death cell to state protection!!”, highlighting the irony that Al-Alwani was released under the protection of the very security services whose members he was convicted of killing. Meanwhile, Iraqi Media Center (Post Impact: 3%) reported Al-Alwani’s claim that he “was subjected to sexual and psychological harassment during [his] imprisonment.” Other pages like Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 2%) analyzed the political fallout, dismissing any notion that Al-Alwani could gain support among Iraq’s Sunni community, which he argues has embraced stability and prosperity under the current system.

2. Commemoration of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq’s Martyrdom

Political leaders and public institutions widely commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, the sixth Shia Imam. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (Post Impact: 12%) issued a statement of condolence, describing the Imam as “a comprehensive school in jurisprudence, ethics, and natural sciences.” Similarly, politician Hakem Al-Zamili (Post Impact: 5%) marked the occasion by visiting the shrine of Imams Musa al-Kadhim and Muhammad al-Jawad. Other figures and organizations, including Baqir Jabr Al-Zubaidi (Post Impact: 4%) and the Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) (Post Impact: 4%), also shared posts mourning the Imam’s passing and praying for peace and security in Iraq.

3. Artist Haider Abd Thamer Shares Video with Daughter

A heartwarming video of Iraqi artist Haider Abd Thamer with his young daughter, Shamoosa, garnered significant positive engagement on entertainment and lifestyle pages. Pages such as Girls’ Hair (Post Impact: 16%) and Klicheh (Post Impact: 4%) shared the clip with captions celebrating the moment, such as “Artist Haider Abd Thamer with his daughter Shamoosa in the latest video 😍.” The posts reflect a trend of highly engaging, positive content centered on local celebrities and their family life, providing a lighter alternative to the political and security news that often dominates Iraqi social media.

4. Khamenei’s Statement Sparks Speculation on US Relations

A statement by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is being interpreted by some analysts as a potential signal of a future agreement with the United States. The page Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 13%) highlighted Khamenei’s historical reference, stating, “When Imam Hassan (AS) agreed to peace with Muawiyah, people criticized him. The Imam said this is a temporary agreement.” The post then questions whether this is Khamenei’s way of preparing his followers and allies for a similar “temporary agreement” with the U.S., prompting debate about a potential shift in regional dynamics.

5. Killing of Iraqi Citizen in Syria Stirs Anger

Multiple pages reported on the murder of an Iraqi citizen, identified as Sayyed Haider al-Zamili from Babil, while he was visiting Syria with his Syrian wife. The narratives vary, with The Authentic Iraqi (Post Impact: 6%) claiming his wife’s family killed him. In contrast, the Iraqi News Center (Post Impact: 4%) alleges he was killed and dismembered by “al-Jolani’s terrorist gangs.” The posts share a common tone of outrage and grief, with commentator Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 2%) criticizing the Iraqi government’s perceived silence and calling for accountability, stating, “The silence on blood… its price is blood!!!”

6. Counter-Terrorism Service Denies Recruitment Rumors

The official page of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) (Post Impact: 11%) issued a statement to debunk false information circulating on social media. The post explicitly denies any news about opening applications for new volunteers to join its ranks. The ICTS urged citizens to disregard such rumors and to obtain information exclusively from its official channels, providing a comprehensive list of its verified website and social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, X, and Telegram to ensure the public receives accurate updates directly from the source.

7. PM Sudani Launches Major Projects in Southern Governorates

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s announcement of large-scale industrial projects in southern Iraq received considerable attention, though with mixed reactions. The government-leaning page The Government Palace (Post Impact: 5%) celebrated the launch of six cement and chemical projects in Muthanna province worth over a billion dollars, declaring that “Samawah will be transformed into Iraq’s capital for cement industries.” However, the news was met with scrutiny from others, such as parliamentarian Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 7%), who questioned the allocation of trillions of dinars to Dhi Qar and Muthanna while wondering what other provinces have received, implying a potential disparity in development focus.

8. Horrific Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl in Diyala Shocks Public

A tragic story emerged from Diyala province concerning the brutal murder of a six-year-old girl named Ruqaya, allegedly at the hands of her 14-year-old half-brother. News pages like Yalla (Post Impact: 3%) and East of Iraq (Post Impact: 2%) reported the disturbing details, stating that the boy led his half-sister to an abandoned building, threw her from an upper floor, and then covered her body with concrete blocks and cement. The stories highlight the complex family situation, as Ruqaya was the child of her father’s divorced second wife and lived in the same house as his first wife and their children. The Breaking News page (Post Impact: 3%) notes that the motives are still under investigation, questioning whether the act was spontaneous or influenced by others.

9. Lighting of New Central Bank Building Celebrated as Milestone

Progress on the new Central Bank of Iraq headquarters in Baghdad, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, is being hailed as a sign of modernization. Pages focused on national development, such as Iraq Projects (Post Impact: 4%) and Baghdadi Eyes (Post Impact: 2%), shared photos and updates announcing the activation of the building’s first lighting systems and aircraft warning lights. The posts celebrate the tower as the first modern architectural landmark in the capital, symbolizing a new era of urban development in Iraq.

10. Doctor Criticizes Unscientific and Traditional Practices

In a high-impact post, Dr. Ali Alkaissi (Post Impact: 38%) voiced strong criticism against the reliance on unscientific remedies for common skin ailments. He lamented the prevalence of such practices with a sarcastic rhetorical question: “Are we living in the Amazon? Do you see us as the Karo tribes! Warts, calluses, and corns!” In another post, he elaborated on this theme, expressing disappointment that despite humanity’s vast scientific and philosophical progress, some people still resort to primitive treatments and blindly follow others, thereby wasting the “greatest opportunity” for critical thinking and personal freedom. His posts resonate with an audience that is critical of superstition and advocates for a more modern, evidence-based approach to health and life.