Based on an analysis of 491 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI on 2025-10-01, online discourse in Iraq was dominated by discussions surrounding the health of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, leading to widespread expressions of concern and reverence. A second major theme was the solemn commemoration of the sixth anniversary of the Tishreen (October) protests, with many pages reflecting on the movement’s call for a homeland and demanding justice for its victims. Political conversations were marked by accusations against armed factions like Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, alleged threats against public intellectuals such as Ghalib al-Shabandar, and speculation about potential regional military escalation involving Iran. Alongside these serious topics, high engagement was also seen around international sports, particularly a Champions League match, while civic initiatives like a major tree-planting campaign in Baghdad also garnered positive attention.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Discussions on Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s Health

The most engaging topic centered on the health of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The Iraqi News Center (Post Impact: 100%) explained that Sistani’s absence from a funeral ceremony was due to his health condition, noting that at nearly 95 years old and having undergone major hip surgery years ago, it is “perfectly normal that he is unable to attend.” Complementing this, other pages like Ali Wajeeh (Post Impact: 5%) shared sentiments of love and reverence for the religious leader and his sons, referencing chants of “Crown, crown on the head, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani,” and emphasizing that public affection is rooted in respect, not fear.

2. Iraqis Commemorate Sixth Anniversary of Tishreen Protests

Multiple pages commemorated the sixth anniversary of the Tishreen (October) protest movement. The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 60%) recalled the movement’s central slogan, “We want a homeland,” and noted the heavy cost of over 500 martyrs, thousands of wounded, and numerous abductions. Similarly, the Baghdad (Post Impact: 9%) page honored the memory of the protesters who gathered in Tahrir Square demanding basic rights. Pages like Yalla (Post Impact: 19%) shared archival footage of protesters confronting tear gas, while public figures like MP Sajjad Salim (Post Impact: 5%) issued statements describing Tishreen as a “living conscience” and a “moral and political compass,” emphasizing that the crimes against protesters will not be forgotten and that justice is a duty of the state.

3. Paris Saint-Germain Defeats Barcelona in Champions League

Football news generated significant engagement as several pages reported on Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League. The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 46%) announced the final score, while other pages commented on the nature of the defeat. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 10%) described it as a “killer goal that destroys the hearts of Barca fans,” attributing the loss to injuries. Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 5%) noted it was a “harsh defeat” in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Set Ashwaq Umm Al-Qanounia (Post Impact: 32%) expressed disappointment, remarking that the “Kuwaiti referee didn’t send off Nuno.”

4. Questions Raised Over Security Forces’ Compliance with PM Sudani’s Orders

Narratives surrounding the Iraqi security forces were prominent, highlighted by a high-impact video from Ahmed Al-Taib (Post Impact: 44%) titled, “Security forces refuse to implement al-Sudani’s orders in Baghdad for these reasons!“. This post suggests a potential disconnect or insubordination within the chain of command concerning Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. In contrast, other pages focused on operational successes, such as Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 13%), which praised the Intelligence Agency for arresting suspects accused of opening fire on a headquarters in Kirkuk. The page celebrated the forces, exclaiming “Our heroes dragged them in the street.”

5. Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq Implicated in Corruption Allegations

The political faction Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq was the subject of intense discussion and accusations. Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 32%) shared a video of Naeem Al-Aboudi, a figure associated with the group, responding to what he termed a “hint from the commander’s minister” accusing Asa’ib of “dismantling” the Baiji refinery. Another post from Wikileaks Iraq (Post Impact: 23%) shared a video with the caption, “It is suggested that the company is affiliated with Asa’ib.” In a separate clip also posted by Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 4%), Al-Aboudi also addressed political dynamics, stating “It is not permissible to excommunicate the Sadrists because they boycotted,” and claiming the Coordination Framework fears losing seats in mixed areas.

6. Uproar Over Threats and Tribal Siege Against Writer Ghalib al-Shabandar

A significant narrative emerged around threats made against the 80-year-old writer and thinker Ghalib al-Shabandar. Posts from Hassan Zuher Hakim (Post Impact: 15%) defended Shabandar as a “great Iraqi national figure” and called the threats against him “shameful.” A more direct accusation came from Mona Sami (Post Impact: 15%), who alleged that “the al-Sudan tribe besieged the house of the writer and thinker Ghalib al-Shabandar… at the direction of the Prime Minister and the tribe’s sheikh!” This prompted wider commentary on tribal practices, with Salem Mashkour (Post Impact: 8%) lamenting that Iraq has “reached the abyss where we consider the tribal ‘Dakka’ a civilized and peaceful behavior.”

7. Election Campaigns Marked by Alleged Lavish Spending and Candidate Reinstatement

As elections approach, discussions revolved around campaign activities and candidate eligibility. A widely circulated reel from Haidar Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 29%) made the serious allegation that “a political candidate is buying luxury cars worth $20 million to distribute during the election season!” In separate election-related news, both Iraqis Only (Post Impact: 8%) and The Authentic Iraqi (Post Impact: 2%) reported on the official reinstatement of General Najm al-Jubouri to the elections in Nineveh province. The pages noted that the Electoral Commission had approved his return and that he is now expected to “sweep the votes” in the governorate.

8. Politicians Fuel Speculation of Imminent Military Strike on Iran

Fears of a regional military escalation were fueled by statements from Iraqi politicians. Multiple pages, including Ahmed AlHamdani (Post Impact: 12%) and Maraya (Post Impact: 3%), quoted former MP Faeq Al Sheikh Ali, who tweeted that “preparations by the international force for the attack on Iran are complete.” This narrative was reinforced by comments from former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, which were shared by pages like From Baghdad (Post Impact: 4%) and The Authentic Iraqi (Post Impact: 3%). Allawi was quoted as stating, “There is an upcoming military strike that will target Iran and Iraq!”

9. “Baghdad Plants” Campaign Launched to Increase Green Spaces in the Capital

A positive civic initiative gained traction as several pages reported on the launch of a major tree-planting campaign in the capital. The page Shuffle Baghdad (Post Impact: 5%) announced the start of the largest agricultural campaign, which “targets the planting of 300,000 trees in Baghdad, with the participation of Baghdad residents and volunteers.” The Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) page shared a video from the first day of the campaign in the Al-Shaljia area, showing the planting of Albizia trees. Support for the effort was also shared by pages like The Government Palace (Post Impact: 2%), which promoted the campaign under the slogan, “Yes to a green Iraq.”

10. Prime Minister Sudani Visits UAE to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates was covered by his official channels. A post on the Prime Minister’s personal page, Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 6%), detailed his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on developing cooperation in trade, energy, and transportation, with a specific emphasis on collaboration for the strategic Development Road project. The Prime Minister’s media office also shared a video of his departure from Baghdad, as covered by Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister (Post Impact: 2%).