Based on an analysis of 488 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI on September 16, 2025, the dominant narratives in Iraq revolve around sharp criticism of government performance and political maneuvering ahead of future elections. Highly engaged posts focus on allegations of rampant corruption in government contracts, particularly those highlighted by commentator Haider al-Hamdani concerning massive spending on minor projects. This is contrasted by a smaller set of pro-government pages praising Prime Minister Al Sudani’s infrastructure achievements in Baghdad. Political discourse is also fueled by controversial statements from analyst Ezzat al-Shabandar attacking the Prime Minister, as well as declarations from the State of Law Coalition about their role in protecting the government and their ambitions for Nouri al-Maliki’s return. Other significant topics include sports coverage of European football, local security issues, and public service announcements like weather forecasts.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Allegations of Government Corruption and Wasteful Spending

A series of high-engagement posts from commentator Haider Al-Hamdani questioned government spending under Prime Minister Al Sudani’s administration. Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 36%) described a 34 billion dinar contract with a Kurdish company for cleaning services in Diwaniyah as a “scandal similar to the Turkish electricity ships!” In another widely viewed post, Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 34%) criticized the allocation of 5 billion dinars for maintaining just 36 bathrooms at Baghdad International Airport, asking, “Is this conceivable, Al Sudani’s government?” These posts frame government contracts as evidence of significant corruption and mismanagement of public funds.

2. Real Madrid Secures Victory in Football Match

Iraqi football fans and news pages actively discussed Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Marseille. Pages like Al-Khawa al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 27%) and Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 7%) reported that the team won despite being down to 10 players, with both goals scored by Kylian Mbappé. The victory was portrayed as a testament to the team’s strength and resilience in European competitions, with Steven Nabil’s page commenting that “this Real Madrid is terrifying in Europe.”

3. Political Analyst Al-Shabandar Attacks PM Al Sudani

Clips from the television program “Al-Qarar Lakum” (The Decision is Yours), shared by journalist Sahar Abbas Jamil (Post Impact: 21%), featured a harsh critique of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani by political analyst Ezzat al-Shabandar. In one widely circulated video, al-Shabandar is shown becoming emotional while accusing the prime minister, stating, “Al Sudani sold Khor Abdullah.” In another clip from the same show shared by Sahar Abbas Jamil (Post Impact: 5%), he is quoted as calling the Prime Minister a “Ba’athist, son of a Ba’athist,” escalating his political attacks.

4. State of Law Coalition Asserts Political Strength

Statements from Sheikh Haider al-Lami, a member of the State of Law Coalition, circulated widely, emphasizing the coalition’s power and future ambitions. The page Khabar Ajel (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 20%) quoted him boasting about their role in securing the current government: “We protected this government with our bodies, and Al-Maliki was carrying his rifle that night and protected it.” Looking ahead, the page Maraya (Post Impact: 5%) reported al-Lami’s prediction that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki “is the next prime minister of Iraq.”

5. Praise for Government Infrastructure Projects in Baghdad

In contrast to the corruption allegations, a pro-government narrative highlighting infrastructure achievements also gained traction. The page Al-Qasr al-Hukoumi (The Government Palace) (Post Impact: 19%) shared a video of a new multi-level bridge and tunnel system, celebrating it as the “beauty of Baghdad.” This positive framing was reinforced by Wahed Watan (One Nation) (Post Impact: 7%), which sarcastically countered criticism of PM Al Sudani by listing his government’s alleged accomplishments, including thousands of schools and dozens of bridges and hospitals.

6. Discourse on Elections and the Marja’iyya’s Stance

The upcoming elections and the position of the religious authority (Marja’iyya) were key topics of debate. Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 17%) argued against boycotting the elections, suggesting the Marja’iyya would not support any action that could lead to “a return to chaos, coups, and terrorism.” Meanwhile, the fact-checking page Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 6%) clarified that a statement about elections attributed to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani that was being shared online was from 2021, emphasizing that no new directive has been issued.

7. Security Tensions Reported in Baghdad’s Al-Shu’la District

Multiple news pages reported on security issues within the Al-Shu’la district of Baghdad, pointing to tribal conflicts as the source. Markaz al-Iraqi al-Khabari (Iraqi News Center) (Post Impact: 9%) raised alarm with a post asking, “What is happening in Baghdad, specifically in Al-Shu’la!”. Providing more context, Al Hadath Iraq (The Iraqi Event) (Post Impact: 7%) explained that “security tensions” had risen in the area after the expiration of a tribal truce, or “atwa,” between two feuding clans.

8. Weather Forecast Predicts Dust Wave and Temperature Drop

Several pages shared a public service announcement from the meteorological authorities regarding an upcoming change in weather. Pages such as Nafs Iraq (Breath of Iraq) (Post Impact: 8%), Ayun Baghdadiah (Baghdadi Eyes) (Post Impact: 3%), and Min al-Iraq (From Iraq) (Post Impact: 2%) all reported the same forecast. They stated that Iraq should expect a drop in temperatures accompanied by a dust wave that will significantly reduce visibility on the upcoming Thursday and Friday.

9. Iraqi F-16s Destroy Terrorist Hideout in Kirkuk

Iraqi security operations were a focus for several pages, which reported on a successful counter-terrorism mission. According to Al-Khawa al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 5%) and Daeam al-Quwwat al-Amniya al-Iraqiya (Support for Iraqi Security Forces) (Post Impact: 3%), the Joint Operations Command announced that an airstrike was conducted in Wadi al-Shay, Kirkuk. The strike, carried out by Iraqi F-16 jets based on Military Intelligence information, successfully destroyed a terrorist hideout and killed all militants present.

10. Netanyahu’s Mobile Phone Statement Sparks Discussion

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prompted analysis on Iraqi social media. Pages like Al-Khaliya al-Tactikiya (The Tactical Cell) (Post Impact: 9%) and Al-Taqniya wal-Ittisalat (Technology and Communications) (Post Impact: 2%) discussed his comment that “if you have a mobile phone, you have a piece of Israel in your hand.” Al-Khaliya al-Tactikiya provided a detailed analysis, explaining the statement reflects Israel’s significant role in developing core mobile technologies, software, and cybersecurity tools, including the Pegasus spyware used by intelligence services like Unit 8200 for surveillance and targeting.