2025-10-07: Disqualification of Candidate Sajjad Salem from Elections Sparks Outrage
Based on an analysis of (575) X / Twitter posts trending on October 7, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online conversations in Iraq. The most prominent discussions revolve around the upcoming elections, specifically the controversial disqualification of independent candidate Sajjad Salem, which has drawn widespread criticism and accusations of political targeting. Another major topic is the eruption of protests in Iran demanding the expulsion of Iraqi students from universities, sparking debates on national dignity and foreign relations. Other significant conversations include outrage over the assassination of a lawyer in Wasit, condemnation of alleged child abuse cases, and critical commentary on Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7th attack. These themes collectively paint a picture of a tense political and social landscape marked by internal power struggles and regional friction.
Table Of Content
- 1. Disqualification of Candidate Sajjad Salem from Elections Sparks Outrage
- 2. Protests Erupt in Iran Demanding Expulsion of Iraqi Students
- 3. Condemnation of Child Abuse and Calls for Accountability
- 4. Assassination of Lawyer Hamsa Jassim in Wasit
- 5. Criticism of Hamas on Second Anniversary of October 7 Attack
- 6. Electoral Commission Accused of Double Standards Over Candidate Disqualifications
- 7. Debates over Election Boycotts and Sectarian Rhetoric
- 8. Criticism of Armed Factions and Lack of State Authority
- 9. Ammar Al-Hakim Conducts High-Level Meetings in Kurdistan
- 10. Commentary Focuses on Syrian Conflict and al-Julani’s Factions
Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:
1. Disqualification of Candidate Sajjad Salem from Elections Sparks Outrage
The disqualification of candidate Sajjad Salem from the upcoming parliamentary elections has become the top trending story, with numerous accounts expressing support for him and condemning the decision as politically motivated. The candidate himself, Sajjad Salem (Post Impact: 100%), shared a post with the hashtag “#Tishreen_Revolution_Will_Triumph”. Supporters like Mulla Abboud Al-Karkhi (Post Impact: 31%) claimed Salem’s shoe was “more honorable than the political process and the electoral commission.” Accounts such as Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 29%) and Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 25%) stated the reason for his exclusion was a statement where he said, “the killers of protesters are owners of processions and Husseiniyas and participants in Muharram rituals.” Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 55%) questioned the legality of the decision, contrasting it with the commission’s alleged inaction on parties with armed wings. Falah Al-Mashal (Post Impact: 19%) argued that the video cited for the disqualification contained truths agreed upon by many Iraqis.
2. Protests Erupt in Iran Demanding Expulsion of Iraqi Students
A significant narrative emerged around protests at Iranian universities, reportedly calling for the expulsion of Iraqi students. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 82%) reported on student protests in Hamedan, Iran, entering their second day, with demonstrators demanding the expulsion of Iraqi students for alleged “unethical practices against female students.” Similarly, Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 61%) commented on the demonstrations, criticizing Iraqis who choose to study in Iran. Haider (Post Impact: 28%) initially noted reports attributing the protests to harassment by a student named “Saif Saddam Hussein” but later corrected the information, stating the student involved was “Ali Al-Moussawi,” allegedly a director in the Popular Mobilization Forces. The sentiment was echoed by Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 33%) and Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 21%), who described the situation as humiliating and indicative of how Iraqis are viewed in Iran.
3. Condemnation of Child Abuse and Calls for Accountability
A video circulating on X / Twitter has sparked widespread condemnation related to child abuse. Ghaith Altamimi (Post Impact: 79%) shared the clip with the hashtag #child_rape, expressing disgust and stating, “There is nothing filthier than these people except for those who legalized child marriage for them!” The discussion also took a sectarian turn, with Jafar Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 23%) responding to perceived insults against Najaf by referencing a past case of child abuse in Anbar, suggesting hypocrisy from critics. The posts reflect deep public anger and link the issue to broader failures in moral and legal accountability.
4. Assassination of Lawyer Hamsa Jassim in Wasit
The assassination of lawyer Hamsa Jassim in the city of Kut, Wasit province, is a major topic of discussion, with users sharing details of the crime and pointing to potential suspects. Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 58%) reported that Jassim was killed after receiving prior threats, citing sources who accuse Ahmed Al-Maksousi, a commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces in Wasit, of being behind the killing due to a personal dispute and lawsuits she had filed against him. This information was also shared by _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 23%). Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 26%) linked her murder to a pattern of crimes against lawyers, referencing his book “A Year of Degeneracy” and questioning why his writings angered people when such events confirm his observations.
5. Criticism of Hamas on Second Anniversary of October 7 Attack
On the second anniversary of the October 7th attack, several Iraqi commentators posted sharp critiques of Hamas’s leadership and strategy. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali (Post Impact: 53%) criticized a speech by Hamas leader Fawzi Barhoum, accusing him and other leaders of being “madmen” who were defeated and caused the destruction of Gaza and the death of their people due to their “foolishness and absurdity.” Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 24%) described Hamas as an “Israeli creation and an Iranian investment” with a “treacherous, agent, and beneficiary leadership” that deceived its fighters and acted on Iranian orders without consulting other Arab nations. These posts reflect a narrative that is highly critical of Hamas’s role and the devastating consequences of its actions.
6. Electoral Commission Accused of Double Standards Over Candidate Disqualifications
A prominent sub-narrative related to the elections is the accusation that the Electoral Commission is applying a double standard in its disqualification of candidates. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 31%) pointed out that while “civilian” Sajjad Salem was immediately disqualified for “strange and laughable” charges, candidate Mustafa Sanad was only fined, suggesting that “the protection provided by weapons” kept him in the race. This comparison was also made by ahmedmeckya (Post Impact: 11%), who sarcastically noted that independent civilians are treated as “an abomination of Satan’s work” while those from factions are seen as pure. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 19%) also commented on the decision to fine Sanad instead of excluding him, attributing the outcome to public pressure. The posts suggest a widespread belief that the commission’s decisions are influenced by political power and armed affiliation rather than law.
7. Debates over Election Boycotts and Sectarian Rhetoric
Discussions surrounding the upcoming elections include strong arguments for boycotting and criticism of divisive political rhetoric. A. D. Ghalib Al-Daami (Post Impact: 36%) highlighted a sectarian statement from cleric Jalal al-Din al-Saghir, who claimed boycotters want “Abd al-Zahra to serve Omar,” implying a Sunni takeover. The post noted that boycotters responded, “And you want Abd al-Zahra to serve Jalal!” Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 24%) argued that the Sadrist boycott is being exploited by “Sunni Arab media” to weaken Shiite political power and present the elections as lacking popular support. Meanwhile, accounts like Safaa Al-Asadi (Post Impact: 23%) simply used the hashtag #Boycotters to express their stance.
8. Criticism of Armed Factions and Lack of State Authority
Several posts highlight the unchecked power of armed factions and the erosion of state authority. Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 25%) shared a video allegedly showing an armed faction assaulting a woman and her husband in Baghdad’s Jadriyah area, questioning the Prime Minister’s authority. Another post from Alawiya Umm Zainab (Post Impact: 21%) shared comments from former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, suggesting he has lost patience with “corrupt pro-Wilaya factions” and that the state is being “looted and run by weapons, not law.” Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 16%) quoted analyst Ihsan Al-Shammari, who stated that dealing with unofficial weapons in Iraq is more complex than with Hamas or Hezbollah because “the Iraqi factions have become the state.”
9. Ammar Al-Hakim Conducts High-Level Meetings in Kurdistan
Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement, is actively promoting his visit to the Kurdistan Region, with his official account sharing details of multiple high-level meetings. He posted about his meeting with President Masoud Barzani, where they discussed the upcoming elections and relations with the region, according to Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 29%). Another post by Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 20%) detailed his meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, where he praised the recent oil agreement. He also met with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, as reported by Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 18%), and with PUK leader Bafel Talabani, per Ammar Al-Hakim (Post Impact: 18%). The series of posts highlights a diplomatic push to strengthen ties and discuss national issues ahead of the elections.
10. Commentary Focuses on Syrian Conflict and al-Julani’s Factions
The ongoing conflict in Aleppo, Syria, is a notable topic of discussion, with a focus on the actions of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader al-Julani and his affiliated factions. Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 21%) posted a taunting message to al-Julani, claiming that just 300 Kurdish fighters in Aleppo had “dragged his gangs’ noses through the mud” and exposed a Qatari-Turkish plan to attack Iraq. In another post, Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 12%) accused al-Julani of sending fighters from al-Qaeda, al-Nusra, and ISIS disguised as tribal members to fight against Kurdish and Syrian Democratic Forces, a tactic he claims will fail. The commentary portrays the Syrian conflict as a complex battleground with regional implications.




