Based on an analysis of 522 Facebook posts trending on September 21, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key themes and narratives dominating online discussions in Iraq. The most prominent topic is the escalating political tension ahead of elections, driven by a widely circulated statement from Muqtada al-Sadr’s representative calling for a boycott and a complete overhaul of the political system. This call is accompanied by sharp accusations against political rivals, particularly regarding corruption and security failures. Other significant conversations revolve around security matters, including the mourning of Counter-Terrorism Service members killed in Anbar, and government accountability, with updates on the investigation into the tragic Kut fire. Discussions also touched upon public services, specifically the quality of internet, alongside social and human-interest stories marking the start of the new school year.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Al-Sadr Urges Election Boycott, Demands “Total Reform”

A statement attributed to Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi, a figure associated with Muqtada al-Sadr, has been widely shared, outlining the Sadrist movement’s reasons for boycotting the upcoming elections. The statement, posted by pages like Wazir al-Qaid (Minister Leader) (Post Impact: 100%) and summarized by Hussam al-Haj (Post Impact: 27%), argues that attempts at reform from within the political process have failed and were met with accusations of treason. It now advocates for reform from outside the political system. The statement criticizes political opponents, asking, “How can we give our votes to those whose leaks say they want to kill us…?” and accuses them of corruption and bringing back Ba’athists. The post declares that the real alternative to the boycott is “comprehensive reform,” a complete change of the current political figures (“shala qala” or “uprooting them all”), and an end to foreign dependency and the proliferation of unregulated weapons. Broadcasters like Mohammed Jabbar (Post Impact: 15%) highlighted the call for “uprooting them all.”

2. Who “Dismantled” Baiji Refinery? Old Accusations Resurface

A key accusation within Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi’s statement, concerning who “dismantled the Baiji refinery,” has become a distinct topic of discussion. The phrase appears in the original post by Wazir al-Qaid (Minister Leader) (Post Impact: 100%), questioning how voters could support those responsible for such an act. Journalist Sahar Abbas Jameel (Post Impact: 32%) amplified this point in a video segment, explicitly stating that the intended targets of the accusation are Nouri al-Maliki and Qais al-Khazali. The post’s title asks, “Who ‘dismantled the Baiji refinery’?” directly challenging guest Fatah al-Sheikh on the matter. News pages like Iraqiin w Bas (Iraqis Only) (Post Impact: 4%) also highlighted this specific line from the statement, emphasizing the charge that opponents “dismantled the Baiji refinery and wasted a national treasure.”

3. Two Counter-Terrorism Service Members Killed in Anbar

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) officially mourned the deaths of two of its members during an operation in Anbar province. According to the statement shared by the official Jihaz Mukafahat al-Irhab al-Iraqi (Iraqi CTS) (Post Impact: 14%) page, the soldiers were killed by an IED explosion. The operation was a follow-up to an airstrike on an ISIS hideout in the Sahoul Rawa area. An intelligence officer was also injured in the blast. Several other pages, including Min Baghdad (From Baghdad) (Post Impact: 6%) and Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 4%), shared the news, with some naming the martyrs as Hussam Mutashar and Hazem Basim. The CTS statement vowed that the sacrifice of its fighters would serve as a “beacon that lights the path of heroism and sacrifice.”

4. Communications Minister Defends Fiber Optics Over “Poor” Wi-Fi

Communications Minister Hiyam al-Yasiri defended the government’s push for fiber optic internet, criticizing the current Wi-Fi services provided by local agents. As reported by pages like Al-Taqniya wal Itisalat (Technology and Communications) (Post Impact: 14%) and Abu al-Arif (Post Impact: 8%), the minister responded to protests from internet tower agents by stating, “It is illogical to harm 40 million Iraqis with poor internet in order to satisfy 10,000 agents.” She described the existing Wi-Fi service as “poor and bad” with “no justification for its use” and noted that it has remained unchanged for 20 years. The posts indicate the ministry is committed to the fiber optic project as the ideal solution for Iraq’s internet future.

5. PM Al-Sudani Refers Officials to Court Over Kut Fire Tragedy

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced that his office has ratified the findings of the investigative committee for the deadly fire in Kut on July 16, 2025. His official page, Al-Mohandes Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (Post Impact: 11%), stated that the investigation confirmed negligence by several officials. Consequently, the former governor of Wasit, the directors of civil defense and municipality in Kut, the director of electricity distribution, and other responsible employees will be referred to the judiciary. MP Sajjad Salem (Post Impact: 2%) expressed his support for the committee’s decisions, stating it is “the least that can be offered” to the victims’ families and called on the judiciary to hold the negligent parties accountable.

6. Hanan al-Fatlawi’s Remarks on Living Standards Spark Debate

Comments made by politician Hanan al-Fatlawi comparing living standards in Iraq before and after 2003 have generated significant discussion. The page Al-Iraqi Al-Aseel (The Authentic Iraqi) (Post Impact: 59%) quoted her as saying, “For 35 years, the Iraqi people longed for ‘bananas and Pepsi,’ and now there are salaries, travel, cars, and restaurants, and no one is satisfied with the political system.” The post, which received high engagement, highlights a sentiment that despite material improvements since the previous regime, there is widespread dissatisfaction with the current political order.

7. First Day of School Marked by Acts of Kindness and Pride

The start of the new academic year was a notable theme, with several pages sharing human-interest stories. The page Akher Al-Ahdath Al-Iraqiya (Latest Iraqi Events) (Post Impact: 18%) shared a story about a federal police officer who bought a complete school uniform for a child he saw sitting on the sidewalk without one, enabling the boy to attend school. Meanwhile, the page Set Ashwaq Um Al-Qanouniya (Post Impact: 8%) and another of its posts (Post Impact: 7%) celebrated the “elegance and beauty” of students in Diwaniyah and Mosul, sharing photos of them in neat uniforms on their first day of school to show how “beautiful Iraq is in all its provinces.”

8. Woman Arrested in Kut for Abusing Stepdaughter

The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of a woman in Kut for abusing her stepdaughter after a video of the incident circulated on social media. The ministry’s official page, Wizarat al-Dakhiliya al-Iraqiya (Iraqi Ministry of Interior) (Post Impact: 9%), stated that a joint team from the Family and Child Protection Department and Community Police identified the child’s location and apprehended her stepmother. The Mudiriyat Mukafahat Ijram Baghdad (Baghdad Anti-Crime Directorate) (Post Impact: 3%) also shared the news, confirming that legal measures were being taken to refer the perpetrator to the judiciary to “receive her just punishment.”

9. Nouri al-Maliki Defends His Legacy Amidst Criticism

Amidst sharp criticism from political rivals, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki defended his tenure, with some pages sharing his statements. Al-Iraqi Al-Aseel (The Authentic Iraqi) (Post Impact: 4%) and Markaz Al-Ilam Al-Iraqi (Iraqi Media Center) (Post Impact: 2%) quoted al-Maliki stating, “We say it with all pride, we were able to rebuild the state anew despite terrorism and we restored security and safety to our streets.” This narrative of rebuilding the state and establishing security stands in contrast to accusations from opponents, such as the Sadrists, who hold him and his allies responsible for corruption and national losses like the Baiji refinery.

10. The Sadr-Sistani Divergence on Elections Highlighted

The differing stances of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and Muqtada al-Sadr on election participation have become a point of public debate. The page Ardha (Post Impact: 13%) explicitly framed the issue by posting photos of both figures and asking its audience: “Ayatollah Sistani calls for participation in the elections, and Mr. Sadr calls for a boycott. Who are you with at this stage?” This post encapsulates the political dilemma facing many Shiite voters. While al-Sadr’s statement calls for a boycott, it also contains an oblique reference to the religious authority, stating that the “voice of the Marja’iya has become hoarse” with no response from his opponents, suggesting they are ignoring its guidance while his movement seeks to please it.