Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 376 trending Facebook posts on August 1, 2025, online discourse in Iraq is dominated by political and religious activities, particularly surrounding the preparations for the Arba’een pilgrimage and the public engagements of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Key political narratives include discussions on the upcoming parliamentary elections, criticism of Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s diplomatic efforts, and the ongoing Khor Abdullah waterway dispute with Kuwait. Significant social and security issues also feature prominently, with reports on an attack against a Syrian artist, concerns over declining water levels at the Mosul Dam, and the arrest of a former Ba’athist regime officer. These conversations reflect a public sphere engaged with domestic politics, regional relations, environmental challenges, and matters of historical justice.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Muqtada al-Sadr’s Activities for Arba’een Pilgrimage

Preparations for the Arba’een pilgrimage are a major focus, with several pages highlighting the activities of Muqtada al-Sadr. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 32%) reported that al-Sadr reviewed the locations and numbers of Husseini mourning councils across Iraq, commenting, “Peace be upon the one who honors the believers, Al-Hasan, son of the Commander of the Faithful.” Pages such as Hakem Al-Zamili (Post Impact: 28%) and Maher Mouhi::Sawt Hamat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 14%) shared videos of their participation in serving pilgrims at the Al-Sadr guesthouse in Al-Hanana. Adding to the coverage, Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 25%) noted the presence of former national football team captains Laith Hussein and Mohammed Kassid at the guesthouse to participate in the Arba’een rituals.

2. Political Leaders Prepare for Upcoming Elections

Iraqi political leaders are actively engaging with tribal and community figures ahead of the next parliamentary elections. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani (Post Impact: 51%), the Speaker of Parliament, posted about his visit to the guesthouse of Sheikh Omar al-Mahjoub, where they discussed improving local services, security, and the importance of wide participation in the upcoming elections. Similarly, the page of Mohammed Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 7%), head of the Taqaddum Party, reported on his meeting with sheikhs and notables of the Azza tribe in Diyala province. The post stated Al-Halbousi emphasized the need to unify their electoral direction and participate strongly, while the sheikhs affirmed their support for the party’s candidates.

3. Dispute over Khor Abdullah Waterway with Kuwait

The Khor Abdullah maritime channel issue between Iraq and Kuwait is a significant topic of discussion. Journalist Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 36%) promoted an in-depth report titled “Khor Abdullah…The Inflamed Coasts,” promising to reveal the secrets and details of the file with international law and economic experts. Providing educational context, the Al-Iqtisadiyyun Al-‘Iraqiyyun (Post Impact: 12%) page published a post explaining the geography of Iraq’s four natural khors (waterways), including Khor Abdullah, noting that this information is often missing from school curricula.

4. Assault on Syrian Artist Omar Khairy in Aleppo

The page Al Khwa Al Nazifa (Post Impact: 81%) reported that Syrian artist Omar Khairy was assaulted by an armed group in the city of Al-Bab in the Aleppo countryside. According to the post, the attack involved beating and humiliation, where the assailants shaved his hair and mustache and wrote phrases on his body. The high engagement on this single post indicates significant user reaction to the news of the violent attack on the artist.

5. Concerns Over Mosul Dam Water Levels

Facebook pages are raising alarms about the declining water levels at the Mosul Dam, citing satellite imagery as evidence of a potential water crisis. Al Khwa Al Nazifa (Post Impact: 31%) shared images from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus satellites, highlighting a “noticeable decrease” in the dam’s water level compared to the same date in 2024, which it claims reflects a decline in water reserves and raises growing concerns. The page Telescope Iraq (Post Impact: 15%) also posted a direct visual comparison of the dam between this year and the last, using the same satellite source to illustrate the change.

6. Video Exposes Flaws in Dhi Qar Bridge Construction

A video shared by Al-A’lami Ahmed Al-Rikabi (Post Impact: 70%) has drawn significant attention to alleged corruption and poor construction of a bridge in Dhi Qar governorate. The post features a video in which an Iraqi citizen documents the bridge being tied together, implying structural instability. Al-Rikabi describes the situation as a “scandal” and warns that the bridge will have “dire and catastrophic consequences in the near future,” sparking public concern over infrastructure safety and accountability.

7. Criticism of PM Al-Sudani’s Diplomatic Efforts

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani is facing criticism regarding his diplomatic relations with the United States. Entifadh Qanbar PE (Post Impact: 70%) published a video analyzing what he calls the “failed efforts” of the Prime Minister. The post claims there have been repeated rejections by the U.S. administration for a visit by Al-Sudani to Washington and describes the diplomatic situation led by his government and advisors as “chaotic.”

8. Controversy over Entry of Syrians into Iraq

Conflicting reports circulated regarding the entry of Syrian citizens into Iraq, particularly during the Arba’een pilgrimage season. Pages like Ahdath Arbil (Post Impact: 10%) and Markaz Al-I’lami Al-‘Iraqi (Post Impact: 9%) claimed that Prime Minister Al-Sudani had issued an order to completely ban Syrians from entering the country. However, the official page of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 7%) issued a formal denial through the Supreme Security Committee for Million-Man Visits. The statement, attributed to spokesman Brigadier General Miqdad Miri, called the news baseless and affirmed that all persons with valid visas are allowed to enter Iraq normally.

9. Footballer Aymen Hussein Transfers to Al-Karma SC

The transfer of Iraqi national team star Aymen Hussein to Al-Karma Sports Club has been a popular topic in sports circles. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 21%) shared photos of the club celebrating its new player and wished him success. The page Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 13%) officially announced the financial details of the move, stating that Hussein signed a one-season contract for a fee of 1.25 billion Iraqi dinars.

10. Arrest of Former Ba’athist Regime Officer

The arrest of a former Ba’athist regime officer, Ajaj Ahmed Hardan Al-Nasiri, by the National Security Service generated discussion about historical justice. Fadel Abu Ragheef (Post Impact: 12%) described the arrested individual as “Saddam’s private executioner,” accusing him of being responsible for the Anfal campaign and torture at the Nugrat al-Salman prison. Likewise, Tara’ef Al-‘Alam bi-‘Uyun ‘Iraqiyya (Post Impact: 11%) reported on the arrest, adding that the officer had been presumed dead for over 20 years and was known for supervising the torture of prisoners, particularly Kurds.