Based on an analysis of 497 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI, the key themes trending in Iraq on August 26, 2025, center on political accountability, social grievances, and cultural events. The most engaged-with topic involves allegations of corruption within the Ministry of Electricity concerning a deal with Turkish power barges, drawing significant public attention. Another prominent narrative is a highly personal and public dispute involving Member of Parliament Mustafa Sanad, who responded emotionally to criticisms about his family. Widespread debate and criticism also erupted over the Parliament’s approval of a new list of ambassadors after years of delay, with many users suggesting nepotism. Other significant conversations include the judiciary’s decision to reinstate a former governor for upcoming elections, the deaths of prominent public figures, and various cultural happenings, from a dog festival in Sulaymaniyah to a Chinese student earning an Arabic master’s degree from an Iraqi university.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Allegations of Corruption in Ministry of Electricity Deal

Discussion surged around Iraq’s electricity sector after Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 100%) published a video claiming to reveal “shocking numbers” and “the hidden story” behind a Ministry of Electricity contract to lease Turkish power barges for only two months. The post suggests financial mismanagement and raises questions about the deal’s value. In stark contrast, the Khabar Ajeal (Urgent News) (Post Impact: 42%) page quoted MP Mohammed Al-Suhood, who declared that the electricity crisis has been successfully overcome. Al-Suhood stated, “We have overcome the electricity crisis… thank God we overcame it successfully, the people are aware and saw good performance, and the situation is stable.” This created a divided narrative between accusations of corruption and official declarations of success.

2. MP Mustafa Sanad’s Public Feud Over Family Illnesses

A highly personal and emotional conflict involving Member of Parliament Mustafa Sanad gained significant traction. Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 76%) posted a lengthy and impassioned response to an unnamed individual who apparently mocked his family’s health struggles. Sanad confirmed that his four siblings suffer from incurable diseases and that his eldest brother is in his final hours with cancer, stating that illness is a trial from God, not a sin. He concluded with a vow, declaring in colloquial Arabic: “I have made a pact with myself, before God takes his trust, to take the largest number of society’s dregs, the inferior, and the fallen and throw them into the dustbins of history.” The issue also appeared in a post by Mohammed Na’naa’ (Post Impact: 15%), who, upon his release from detention, mentioned he would later address his position on Sanad and the videos the MP published about his case.

3. Controversy Surrounds New Ambassador Appointments

The Iraqi Parliament’s vote to approve a new list of ambassadors, the first such vote since 2009, sparked a mix of official praise and public criticism. The Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister (Post Impact: 13%) issued a statement from PM Mohammed Shaya Al-Sudani thanking Parliament and emphasizing the importance of filling these vacant diplomatic posts. However, many social media users reacted with anger and sarcasm, suggesting the appointments were based on nepotism rather than merit. Majid Saleem (Post Impact: 20%) expressed outrage, writing, “The sons of thieves have become ambassadors, I congratulate you!!” Similarly, Ammar Al-Hilfi (Post Impact: 14%) shared a video mocking the decision, while Set Ashwaq um Al-Qanuniyya (Post Impact: 26%) sarcastically noted that one of the new ambassadors was born in 1990.

4. Court Reinstates Najm Al-Jubouri for Elections

Multiple pages reported on the judiciary’s decision to reinstate Najm Al-Jubouri, the former governor of Nineveh, allowing him to participate in the upcoming elections. Iraqeen W Bas (Iraqis Only) (Post Impact: 25%) and Da’m Al-Quwat Al-Amniya Al-Iraqiya (Support for Iraqi Security Forces) (Post Impact: 19%) both shared the news, framing it as a just outcome. Providing more detail, Ahmed Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 18%) explained that the court accepted Al-Jubouri’s appeal against his exclusion because the electoral commission had failed to verify with the Accountability and Justice Commission whether he was subject to its procedures.

5. “Most Beautiful Dog” Festival Held in Sulaymaniyah

The page Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 55%) reported on the first-ever festival to select the “most beautiful dog” in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. The event, which saw the participation of hundreds of dogs, was organized to coincide with International Dog Day. The post highlighted this unique cultural event, drawing significant engagement from users interested in animal welfare and local social activities within the Kurdistan Region.

6. Chinese Student Earns Arabic Master’s Degree in Wasit

A positive academic story captured attention as pages reported on a Chinese national who successfully obtained a Master’s degree in Arabic Language. The page Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 51%) shared a photo of the student, announcing he graduated from the College of Arts at the University of Wasit. The news was also shared by Tara’if Al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (World’s Jokes Through Iraqi Eyes) (Post Impact: 4%), highlighting a moment of cross-cultural academic achievement within an Iraqi university.

7. Mourning the Passing of Artist Salima Khudir

Social media pages shared the news of the death of veteran Iraqi artist Salima Khudir, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the public. Nabdh Al-Iraq (Iraq’s Pulse) (Post Impact: 18%) announced her passing at the age of 78 after a long life. Similarly, Set Ashwaq um Al-Qanuniyya (Post Impact: 17%) also mourned her death, saying, “To God we belong and to Him we shall return.” Both posts commemorated her contributions to Iraqi art and culture.

8. Communications Minister Criticizes Internet and TikTok

Iraq’s Minister of Communications, Hiyam al-Yasiri, made several noteworthy statements about the country’s telecommunications sector. The Baghdad (Post Impact: 11%) page reported her dissatisfaction with the quality of internet service in Iraq. The minister was also quoted as saying that TikTok “has destroyed homes” and that if she had the authority, she would shut it down. This statement was also covered by Markaz Al-I’lam Al-Iraqi (Iraqi Media Center) (Post Impact: 11%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 7%). In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Communications (Post Impact: 8%) page revealed that the first call from Vodafone Iraq is expected in the coming weeks.

9. MP Alaa Al-Haidari’s Inflammatory Remarks Against US Diplomat

Member of Parliament Alaa Al-Haidari attracted attention for his aggressive stance towards the United States. The page Min Baghdad (From Baghdad) (Post Impact: 11%) quoted him as saying, “I would hit the American Chargé d’Affaires with 100 shoes if he asked to meet me!” This provocative statement was also shared by Tara’if Al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (World’s Jokes Through Iraqi Eyes) (Post Impact: 7%). The page Maraya (Mirrors) (Post Impact: 3%) also reported the quote, adding a critical note that the MP allegedly has millions of “American” dollars from public funds under his control.

10. Death of Scholar Sheikh Omar Al-Samarrai in Accident

The death of prominent religious scholar Sheikh Dr. Omar Al-Samarrai was announced on several pages, with users expressing their sorrow. The Baghdad (Post Impact: 23%) page reported that he passed away in a traffic accident on the Samarra-Baghdad road. The post described him as a scholar who “spent his life in the service of knowledge, the prophetic Sunnah, spreading knowledge, and educating generations.” Politician Dr. Qutaiba Ibrahim Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 3%) also published a message of condolence, calling Sheikh Al-Samarrai a “symbol of moderation and tolerant Islamic thought” and describing his passing as a great loss for Samarra and all of Iraq.