Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 432 Facebook posts trending in Iraq on May 13, 2025, the dominant online conversation revolved around former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and his provocative statements contrasting Gulf development with American “failures” in Iraq, alongside his decision to lift sanctions on Syria. This international news shared the spotlight with significant domestic political events, including a high-profile meeting between Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr and a senior cleric in Najaf, which garnered massive engagement. Concurrently, official government pages heavily promoted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s preparations for the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad, signaling a concerted effort to project an image of stability and reassert Iraq’s regional influence.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Trump Contrasts Gulf Splendor with “Failures” in Baghdad

A statement by former US President Donald Trump during his visit to Riyadh comparing the development in Gulf cities to that in Iraqi and Afghan capitals has generated significant engagement. The page Al-Khawa Al-Nadheefa (Post Impact: 86%) quoted Trump saying, “The dazzling and splendid wonders here in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not made by the so-called nation-builders who spent trillions of dollars on their failures to develop Kabul and Baghdad.” This sentiment was echoed by other pages, sparking discussions about foreign intervention and Iraq’s development post-2003. In response to potential misinterpretations, Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 23%) issued a clarification, stating that claims Trump praised Baghdad were false and provided the full, critical quote.

2. Muqtada al-Sadr Meets Senior Cleric in Najaf

The single most impactful post of the day came from the official page of Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr, detailing his visit to Sheikh Abdullah Jawadi Ameli in Najaf. According to The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 100%), Sadr visited the cleric at his residence to welcome him to the city, praying for his “safety, acceptance of deeds, and a pleasant stay.” The post, which includes photos of the two figures together, concludes by noting that Sheikh Ameli expressed his great thanks and appreciation for the visit. The immense engagement highlights the public’s keen interest in the activities and alliances of major religious and political figures.

3. Trump to Lift Syria Sanctions Following Saudi Request

Widespread reports of Donald Trump’s decision to lift US sanctions on Syria, allegedly at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, circulated across Iraqi Facebook pages. Iraqeen W Bas – Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 38%) reported the news as “urgent,” quoting Trump as saying, “I will do anything the Saudi Crown Prince asks, he is a great man without equal.” The news prompted commentary from social pages like Set Ashwaq Umm Al-Qanouniya (Post Impact: 32%), which used the development to lament the situation of young Iraqis, stating, “Even Syria had its ban lifted, and the 90s generation is still without appointments or marriage.” The announcement was widely seen as a major shift in regional dynamics, underscoring Saudi influence.

4. Baghdad Prepares for Upcoming Arab League Summit

Multiple official and pro-government pages focused on Iraq’s preparations for the upcoming Arab League Summit in Baghdad. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s official page, Engineer Mohamed Shia Al Sudani (Post Impact: 36%), covered his meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit to review the final arrangements. The Prime Minister emphasized the summit’s importance during a “sensitive stage” and Iraq’s role in finding solutions. The page Government of Iraq – The Iraqi Government (Post Impact: 13%) shared a quote from Aboul Gheit praising the preparations, stating, “I see a calm people, a capable government, and good organization and preparation.” Security preparations were also highlighted, with pages like Support for the Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 26%) sharing videos of security forces getting ready, calling them a “proud face for our dear Iraq.”

5. MP Mustafa Sanad Reacts to Chinese Social Media

Parliamentarian Mustafa Sanad shared a post reflecting on the international reaction to a recent speech he gave. In a post on his official page, Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 49%) noted with amusement that he had received “five thousand laughs from China” in response to his words at a protest. He questioned the reason for this reaction and concluded with a patriotic statement: “I encourage the national product.” This post, while brief, garnered high engagement, indicating his followers’ interest in his political commentary and its reception abroad.

6. Contrasting Tales of Livelihood in Iraq

Two human interest stories trending today painted a contrasting picture of economic life in Iraq. The page Aziz Nasser (Post Impact: 22%) shared a video of a man describing his struggle to support his five children by collecting cardboard boxes, earning only fifty thousand dinars a week. In a different narrative of self-reliance, the Yalla (Post Impact: 16%) page highlighted the story of Mirbakar Aziz, a young computer science graduate in Sulaymaniyah who, instead of waiting for a government job, opened the smallest cafe in the city with only one chair for customers. He stated, “I decided to create an opportunity for myself instead of waiting… I didn’t wait for appointments, I have my own business and I am very comfortable with it.”

7. Mohammed al-Halbousi Tours Anbar and Kirkuk

The official page of Mohammed al-Halbousi, head of the Taqaddum Party, was active in documenting his recent political activities across several provinces. Posts showed him attending a football match (Post Impact: 9%) between Al-Karma Club and Al-Shorta Club in Ramadi. Another post covered his visit to the Kirkuk Provincial Council (Post Impact: 8%), where he met with council members and discussed the importance of political cooperation to maintain the province’s security and stability. A third post documented his tour of Nineveh province (Post Impact: 6%), which included visits to a number of local dignitaries and notables. These updates portray him as an active political leader engaging with constituents and local governments across different regions of Iraq.

8. Diyala Provincial Council Leadership Dispute

The political situation in the Diyala Provincial Council was a topic of discussion, primarily covered by Diyala Diyala TV (Post Impact: 28%). The page shared a video described as an “important statement for members of the Provincial Council.” A subsequent post (Post Impact: 6%) provided details, explaining that the council’s deputy head has instructed all departments to recognize his signature on official documents and to delay the assumption of duties by Omar al-Karawi as the head of the council. This measure will remain in effect “until a court order is received by the council,” indicating an ongoing leadership dispute pending judicial resolution.

9. Security Forces Seize Illegal Medicine in Dhi Qar

A successful security operation in Dhi Qar was reported by Al-Khawa Al-Nadheefa (Post Impact: 11%). The post detailed a joint operation by an inspection team from the Dhi Qar Health Directorate and the National Security Service, which resulted in the seizure of 194,581 pieces of illegal medicine. The illicit drugs were found stored inside a house in the Al-Shoufa area. According to the page, official reports were filed for the confiscated materials, and legal action is being taken against those involved in the operation.

10. Earthquake in Greece Felt Across the Region

News of a significant earthquake in the Mediterranean was shared by several Iraqi pages. Al-Khawa Al-Nadheefa (Post Impact: 11%), citing Reuters, reported that a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Greece and the island of Crete, with tremors being felt by residents in Egypt. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 9%) also covered the event, noting that the earthquake was felt not only in Greece but also by people in Turkey, Egypt, Libya, and Gaza.