Based on an analysis of 52 X / Twitter posts by Miqrab AI on August 14, 2025, the primary narrative in Iraq revolves around the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Karbala. This central theme is discussed from multiple angles, including expressions of deep religious devotion, praise for the hospitality and services offered to pilgrims, and official announcements regarding the extensive security measures being implemented. Concurrent with the pilgrimage, a significant counter-narrative of political tension is evident, focusing on criticism of Iranian influence in Iraq. This manifests in heated debates over the raising of Iranian flags, condemnation of pro-Iran politicians, and commentary on the Iraqi government’s perceived double standards. Other notable topics include satirical criticism of former and current political figures and discussions on international relations, particularly concerning the United States’ position on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the situation of Iraqi refugees in Turkey.

Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:

1. Posts Celebrate Arbaeen Pilgrimage in Karbala

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is the most prominent topic, with users sharing posts expressing religious reverence and awe. Haider (Post Impact: 100%) shared a video with a prayer, while Ali al-Khalidi (Post Impact: 90%) described Karbala as a “miracle” for hosting the world’s largest annual human gathering, highlighting the more than 14,000 service processions providing free food, shelter, and medical care to all pilgrims, regardless of religion or nationality. Similarly, Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 18%) posted a video expressing devotion, stating, “We were created to be servants to the visitors of Hussein.” Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 19%) defended the pilgrimage, arguing that its scenes only disturb those with extremist ideologies that align more with Zionism than with Islam.

2. Criticism and Mockery of Pro-Iran Figures

A strong wave of criticism was directed at Iraqi figures perceived as loyal to Iran. Bahaa khaleel (Post Impact: 76%) shared a video of several individuals, harshly criticizing them with the statement, “You have been sycophants your whole lives, with no honor, dignity, or jealousy.” In a similar tone, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 66%) posted an image with a caption mocking a pro-Iran figure, referred to derogatorily as a “tail,” asking, “Did you hear, you tail? Or should he speak to you in Persian?” These posts reflect a narrative of anger and frustration towards politicians and public figures seen as prioritizing Iranian interests over Iraqi ones.

3. Saddam Hussein Sarcastically Dubbed a ‘Mango Expert’

In a widely engaged post, political figure Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali (Post Impact: 60%) shared a video clip with a satirical comment about former president Saddam Hussein. The video appears to show a discussion related to agriculture or fruit. Al-Sheikh Ali sarcastically remarked, “Saddam Hussein… turns out he had a PhD in mangoes and we didn’t know! #what_is_this.” The post uses humor to comment on past narratives and the persona of the former leader, generating significant attention and ridicule online.

4. Controversy Over Raising Foreign Flags During Arbaeen

A major point of contention online is the prevalence of Iranian flags during the Arbaeen pilgrimage and the government’s perceived inconsistent policy on foreign flags. Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 31%) accused Iraqi rulers of hypocrisy, noting the Interior Ministry recently arrested individuals for raising a US flag but then detained one of its own officers for preventing a woman from raising an Iranian flag. This sentiment was echoed by Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 28%), who questioned if any Iranian parliamentarians defend Iraq the way some Iraqi MPs, like Mustafa Sanad, defend Iranian interests. Dr. Ali Al-Jabiri (Post Impact: 19%) challenged pro-Iran Iraqis, asking why they don’t raise the Iraqi flag when visiting shrines in Iran. Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 7%) called for the consistent application of the law to avoid such conflicts.

5. Israeli Spokesperson’s Comments Stir Discussion

A video featuring Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesperson, responding to what were described as followers of Iran’s Supreme Leader, garnered significant attention. GHAITH ALTAMIMI (Post Impact: 26%) shared the clip, expressing surprise at the situation and referring to Adraee as “the Basrawi Israeli.” The post frames the interaction as Adraee “responding to Khamenei’s waste,” highlighting the complex regional dynamics and information warfare playing out on social media platforms concerning Iraq and its neighbors.

6. PM Bans Political Exploitation of Arbaeen Pilgrimage

The Iraqi Prime Minister issued directives to prevent the political exploitation of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Haider (Post Impact: 22%) reported that the Prime Minister has ordered a ban on the participation of “military processions and political slogans” during the event. This move was praised by Bahaa Al-Araji (Post Impact: 0%), who affirmed the decision to “stand firm against any attempt at political gain at the expense of the sublime spiritual and humanitarian value of the occasion,” stating that Karbala is a place of unity, not division.

7. Extensive Security Plan for Arbaeen Detailed

Official sources and social media accounts detailed the massive security and service plan for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. According to Haider (Post Impact: 13%), citing the Ministry of Interior, a total of 527,078 officers, affiliates, and state employees are participating in the plan. The official account of the Iraqi Ministry of Defence (Post Impact: 1%) announced that the Army Chief of Staff, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, arrived in Karbala to personally oversee the security plan. Additionally, Muhand AL ekabiy (Post Impact: 1%) reported that the Chief of Staff of the Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF) is also monitoring security plans from the operations headquarters in Karbala.

8. Armed Factions Accused of Allying with Ba’athists

Users on X criticized what they describe as an emerging alliance between armed factions and former Ba’athists for political gain. Mohammed Jabbar (Post Impact: 11%) stated that armed factions have moved “from confronting the Ba’ath to allying with it,” suggesting that the pursuit of power has superseded all previous slogans and principles. This point was also touched upon by Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 7%), who mentioned that important issues like corruption are being forgotten while “Ba’athists are nominated within Islamic lists” from groups like Harakat Huqooq and the Badr Organization.

9. Appeal to Erdoğan Regarding Iraqi Refugees in Turkey

The treatment of Iraqi refugees in Turkey was the subject of an open appeal and broader criticism. Sheikh Thair Al-Bayati (Post Impact: 9%), Secretary-General of the Iraqi Salvation Front for Freedom and Peace, published a lengthy letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, urging him not to deport Iraqi refugees or refuse to renew their residencies. Al-Bayati warned that forced repatriation would expose them to risks of murder, kidnapping, or imprisonment. Meanwhile, Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 5%) criticized Turkey for allegedly banning the use of Arabic in its cities while simultaneously encouraging jihadist sentiment among Arabs.

10. US Concern Over PMF Law and Iranian Influence

Concerns from the United States regarding a proposed law for the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iran’s growing influence were highlighted. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 5%) quoted Bahaa Al-Araji, described as close to the Prime Minister, who claimed the PMF law “will not pass due to America’s refusal to let it turn into a new Revolutionary Guard.” In another post, the same account (Post Impact: 2%) relayed a statement from the US State Department expressing that passing the PMF law would “weaken security institutions in Iraq and legitimize militias allied with Iran,” and that the US would continue to take action.