Based on an analysis of 459 Facebook posts trending on May 5, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key themes dominating online conversations in Iraq. The discourse was heavily focused on politics, including sharp conflicts between public figures like MP Mustafa Sanad and others, as well as heated debates surrounding Syrian personality Ahmed al-Sharaa (Al-Jolani). A significant human interest story was the widespread reaction to the death of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi’s young son, with many pages calling for decency beyond political rivalries. Pro-government narratives highlighted infrastructure achievements and reform efforts led by Prime Minister Al-Sudani. Additionally, practical information concerning public job openings in Baghdad and severe weather conditions like dust storms captured significant public attention.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Reactions to the death of politician Iyad Allawi’s son

Multiple pages reported on the death of Hamza Allawi, the 27-year-old son of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Akher Al-Ahdath Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 11%) stated he entered Ibn Sina Hospital for a cold and died suddenly. The page Al-Iraqi Al-Aseel (Post Impact: 28%) expressed respect for Iyad Allawi as a political figure and strongly condemned comments from people who were gloating over the family’s tragedy, stating, “Honor in rivalry is a quality carried only by the sane and rational person.” Similarly, Jumana Mumtaz (Post Impact: 2%) shared a photo expressing sorrow over the great loss, emphasizing that a son should bury his father, not the other way around.

2. MP Mustafa Sanad embroiled in controversy and confrontation

A significant political conflict involving Member of Parliament Mustafa Sanad generated high engagement. Al-A’lami Qahtan Adnan (Post Impact: 16%) posted a video from his show “Al-Ghasala” accusing Sanad of kidnapping a citizen. Separately, Hussam Al-Haj (Post Impact: 4%) reported that political analyst Oras Al-Hamad accused Mustafa Sanad and his guards of attempting to kidnap him from inside the Al-Ahed channel. A video shared by the same page shows Sanad warning Al-Hamad, stating, “You are in the host’s house of Sheikh Qais, and it would be a shame for me to ‘touch you’. Do not mention my name for good or bad.” For his part, Mustafa Sanad – Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 13%) posted a cryptic message saying, “God puts the liar in the fire and his nose grows bigger.”

3. Government promotes infrastructure projects and performance

Pro-government pages highlighted the achievements of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s administration, particularly in infrastructure. The page Mashaari’ Al-Iraq Al-Mustaqbaliya (Post Impact: 25%) shared a video of the Prime Minister, referred to as “Al-Rayes,” stating, “We did not pay attention to these voices that want to obstruct the government’s work.” In a more concrete example of this work, Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 8%) listed 17 new bridges and overpasses that have recently been opened in Baghdad, including projects at Al-Funoun Al-Jamila, Qurtuba, Al-Nisoor Square, and Al-Sarafiyah, presenting them as evidence of progress.

4. Haider Al-Hamdani comments on Muqtada al-Sadr’s speech

In a video with very high engagement, social media personality Haider Al-Hamdani commented on the recent speech by Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr in Al-Hanana. The page Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 100%) published the video with a provocative title directed at his audience, asking, “Should I go or will you be quiet?” which suggests a commentary on whether to resume political activity or remain silent, reflecting the broader themes of Sadr’s address.

5. Baghdad Governorate announces public contract job openings

The Baghdad Governorate’s official Facebook page was active in providing information about new job opportunities. Mahafathat Baghdad Baghdad Govermente (Post Impact: 12%) posted an instructional video detailing the correct steps for filling out the online application for contract positions under the 2023 budget law. In a follow-up post, the governorate issued an important notice, warning citizens that applications are only accepted through the official “Bawabat Ur” government portal and that the governorate disclaims responsibility for any other fraudulent links or application methods.

6. Heated debate over Syrian figure Ahmed al-Sharaa (Al-Jolani)

The Syrian figure Ahmed al-Sharaa, known as Al-Jolani, was the subject of a fierce debate on Iraqi Facebook pages. Al-A’dhamiya News (Post Impact: 7%) shared a statement from former MP Talal Al-Zubaie, who described Al-Jolani as a “resister” and claimed there is no terrorism in Iraq. This view was strongly contested by others. Mohammed Al-Khazai (Post Impact: 4%) posted a clip of Haitham Al-Fahd calling Al-Jolani a “dog that won’t become clean even if you wash it in the seventh river.” Meanwhile, Salem Mashkour (Post Impact: 4%) questioned the credibility of Iraqis who support Al-Jolani, contrasting their views with historical documents.

7. Widespread coverage of dust storms and incoming cold front

Weather conditions were a major topic, with pages reporting on both dust storms and a sudden drop in temperature. Telescope Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 8%) explained that the increased frequency of dust storms is a result of climate change, desertification, and stronger seasonal winds affecting dry soil. At the same time, pages like Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 4%) and Al-Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 2%) reported that a cold air mass is expected to enter Iraq, prompting advice to “wear thick clothes.” The dust was also reported to have caused over 300 cases of suffocation in Baqubah, according to a source cited by Diyala TV.

8. Karbala cafe changes name out of religious respect

A cafe in Karbala that previously caused controversy has officially changed its name. The pages Baghdad (Post Impact: 4%) and Min Baghdad (Post Impact: 2%) reported that the “Chai Khanat Umm Kulthum” (Umm Kulthum Tea House) has been renamed “Chai Khanat Ashura.” This change follows an earlier closure of the establishment and was made, according to the posts, “out of respect for the religious sanctity of the holy province of Karbala.”

9. Anecdotes of Saddam Hussein’s capture resurface online

Stories about the late President Saddam Hussein’s final days in hiding were shared across multiple pages. Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 4%) and Min Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) circulated an anecdote attributed to his personal guard. The story claims that while hiding at a farm, Saddam used a fake ID and pretended to have a severe cough. When US forces raided the location, they allegedly measured his oxygen levels due to his feigned illness but failed to identify him.

10. PM Al-Sudani chairs meetings on economic and water reforms

The official page of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani detailed his work on key national files. One post (Post Impact: 4%) covered a meeting with the heads of Iraqi banks to discuss implementing banking reform plans, emphasizing modernization and private sector partnerships. Another post from Al-Mohandes Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 3%) detailed the results of a meeting of the Higher Committee for Water. The committee approved measures to address water scarcity, including strategic projects, pollution control, agricultural plan enforcement, and the use of groundwater to counter the effects of climate change.