Based on an analysis of 412 Facebook posts trending on May 10, 2025, Miqrab AI has identified the following key themes and narratives on Facebook in Iraq: The upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad is the most dominant topic, driving conversations about security measures, including a controversial ban on all public demonstrations announced by the Ministry of Interior. This has also sparked related political discussions, particularly concerning the contentious Khor Abdullah waterway dispute with Kuwait. International news, led by reports of a corruption conviction for a former Real Madrid president, garnered significant engagement, alongside a fact-check clarifying the details of the case. Domestically, statements from political and religious figures like Muqtada al-Sadr, regarding accountability within his Saraya al-Salam forces, and updates from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s office were widely shared. Positive sentiment was also noted around Baghdad’s beautification efforts in preparation for the summit.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Former Real Madrid President Convicted of Corruption

A story about the former president of Real Madrid, Fernando Martin, being sentenced by a Spanish court to three years and four months in prison for corruption and bribery has gained massive traction. The page Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 100%) reported that the conviction was due to a $25 million bribe. However, the fact-checking page Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 8%) clarified the narrative, stating, “The claim is misleading, as the case concerns Martin’s real estate activities, and has no relation to Real Madrid’s championships or the club’s sporting activities.” This correction aimed to separate the ex-president’s personal business dealings from the football club’s official operations.

2. Interior Ministry Bans Protests During Arab Summit

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior issued an official statement announcing a ban on all demonstrations from May 11 to May 20, coinciding with the Arab Summit being held in Baghdad. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 20%) page explained the measure is necessary to allow security forces to focus entirely on securing the summit. The statement explicitly warns that “instructions were issued to arrest anyone who tries to demonstrate.” The decision was also reported by pages like Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 8%). The ban sparked discussion, with MP Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 10%) sharing a phone interview to discuss the implications of the ministry’s directive.

3. Renewed Tensions Over Khor Abdullah Waterway

The long-standing maritime border dispute with Kuwait over the Khor Abdullah waterway has resurfaced as a major topic. Pages such as No Objection with Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 7%) and Iraqi News Center (Post Impact: 6%) circulated claims that Kuwait is leaking photos from a secret 2013 meeting about the waterway and threatening to release a full recording. In response, prominent political figures have weighed in. Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 7%) quoted former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki insisting that “Khor Abdullah is Iraq’s and we will never allow it to be compromised.” Meanwhile, Baqir Jabr al-Zubaidi (Post Impact: 3%) issued a statement supporting the Federal Supreme Court’s ruling against the 2013 agreement and called on the current government to clarify its stance.

4. Muqtada al-Sadr Orders Punishment for Assaulting Citizens

Muqtada al-Sadr issued a directive regarding the conduct of his Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades) forces. His official page, The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 8%), reported that after reviewing the activities of his forces in Samarra and being informed of an assault by a member on a citizen, al-Sadr commented, “Anyone who assaults a citizen must be punished according to the established regulations.” This message of accountability was widely shared by other pages including Maraya (Post Impact: 4%) and From Baghdad (Post Impact: 2%), highlighting the leader’s stance on protecting civilians and maintaining discipline within his ranks.

5. Adnan Dirjal Clashes With Journalist at Press Conference

A tense moment during a press conference involving Adnan Dirjal, President of the Iraqi Football Association, has been trending. A video shared by the page Al-Iraq (Post Impact: 5%) shows Dirjal becoming angry with journalist Mohammed Farhan for using his phone and threatening to leave the conference if decorum was not maintained. The incident drew commentary from others, such as Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 8%), who criticized the journalist’s action of answering a phone call during the event, describing it as “an insult to Mr. Dirjal, the Federation, the viewers, and all the channels.” The discussion centered on professional etiquette during official press briefings.

6. Baghdad’s Beautification Ahead of Arab Summit Praised

Multiple pages shared posts celebrating the beautification of Baghdad in preparation for the upcoming Arab Summit. The page Baghdad (Post Impact: 7%) posted photos with the caption, “How beautiful Baghdad looks, by God’s eye, it’s like wellness.” Similarly, The Government Palace (Post Impact: 5%) shared positive imagery, stating that work on the city will continue and expand even after the summit concludes. The posts from pages like From Baghdad+ (Post Impact: 3%) collectively create a narrative of pride in the capital’s improved appearance as it prepares to welcome international delegations.

7. Tech 4 Peace Attempts to Contact Fatima Qaidar

The verification page Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 22%) published a post stating it has been trying to contact a woman named Fatima Qaidar without success. The page detailed its attempts via a closed phone, WhatsApp, and her official Instagram account, promising to update its followers as soon as a response is received. The reason for the outreach is not explicitly stated in this post, but another post by Haider Khalaf Ghazi (Post Impact: 3%) queries the page, asking if it is in the public interest for Iraqis to know whether Qaidar has separated from her husband. This suggests the verification attempt is related to widespread rumors about her personal life.

8. Ministry of Interior Imports Modern Firefighting Trucks

The Ministry of Interior has imported a new fleet of modern firefighting vehicles, a move highlighted by several pages. A video post from Maher Mouhi :: Voice of the Homeland Protectors (Post Impact: 9%) showcases the new German-made Mercedes trucks, describing them as having “world-class specifications” suited for various emergency situations. The Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 1%) also covered the news, reporting that Minister Abd al-Amir al-Shammari attended a parade of the new vehicles and praised the significant development in the Civil Defense Directorate’s capabilities.

9. Satirical Posts Target Public Figure Ahmed Al-Shala

Satirical pages are targeting a public figure identified as Ahmed Al-Shala (or Al-Sharaa) in posts that have garnered high engagement. The page Political Satire (Post Impact: 14%) posted his picture with the caption, “We want a million ‘af’atni’ for the hero Ahmed Al-Shala.” The term “af’atni” is a slang reaction, similar to a ‘haha’ react, used ironically in this context. A similar post was made by the page Yani Tafadhal (Please) (Post Impact: 6%). The posts reflect an insider meme or joke circulating on Iraqi social media, using mockery and irony to comment on the individual.

10. Prime Minister Sudani Congratulates Russia’s Putin

The official Facebook page of Prime Minister Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 7%) announced that he sent a congratulatory cable to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Victory Day. The post highlighted the depth of relations between Iraq and the Russian Federation. It also stressed the importance of continuing bilateral cooperation across all fields to serve the interests of both nations’ peoples. This diplomatic update reflects the government’s ongoing foreign relations activities.