Based on an analysis of 440 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on October 23, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online conversations. The most prominent topics include criticism of electoral campaign tactics, particularly a candidate distributing food aid, and concerns over national sovereignty following reports of British aircraft violating Iraqi airspace. Widespread discussion also centered on the severe water crisis, with multiple accounts sharing images of the drying Tigris River and blaming government policies. Other significant themes included public anger over perceived government corruption and wasteful spending, debates surrounding the new pro-Kurdish US envoy Mark Savaya, and sectarian political rhetoric from prominent figures ahead of elections.

Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:

1. Female Candidate Criticized for Distributing Food Baskets

A video showing a female political candidate distributing food baskets to citizens as part of her electoral campaign generated significant engagement and criticism. The highest-impact post from Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 100%) shared the video, highlighting not only the use of aid to win votes but also pointing out instances of harassment within the crowd as people pushed to receive the items. Similarly, HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 20%) sarcastically commented on the scene, stating, “A candidate distributes food baskets amidst the chaos of jostling and harassment, enduring these dirty conditions for the sake of the poor citizen… And you say the candidate doesn’t sacrifice!” Both accounts portray the act as a desperate and undignified way to garner electoral support.

2. British Military Aircraft Reportedly Violate Iraqi Airspace

A report from the Iraqi Air Defense Command about a breach of national airspace by British aircraft became a major topic of discussion, fueled by posts from Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 90%). According to his posts, which cite the command, a squadron of three British planes entered Iraqi airspace without official approval over the areas of Sinjar, Sindi Rabia, and Dohuk. When contacted, the British squadron leader allegedly terminated communication without responding. Al-Maliki commented on the incident with frustration, saying, “They shut it in our face, brothers!!” In a follow-up post (Post Impact: 14%), he nostalgically invoked the memory of Captain Zuhair Al-Tamimi, an Iraqi pilot from the past, contrasting his perceived bravery with the current situation.

3. Alarming Images of Tigris River Drought Spark Public Concern

The deteriorating condition of the Tigris River was a recurring and highly emotional topic, with many users blaming government inaction and concessions to Turkey. One account, Haider (Post Impact: 58%), sarcastically posted a video of a citizen denying rumors of drought, claiming the river is in its best state because the Al-Sudani government made significant concessions to Turkey, prompting them to open their dams. In a more direct and critical tone, Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 30%) expressed deep sorrow over the river’s state, posting an image of the dry riverbed and writing, “Gentlemen… We are grief-stricken for our country! This is a river that has flowed in this land for thousands of years… They killed it in twenty years!” The same account also posted a call to action using the hashtag #العلم_الأحمر (The Red Flag) to signify a “water catastrophe.” Haider (Post Impact: 20%) and Muna Sami (Post Impact: 13%) also shared what they described as “shocking scenes” from the Tigris in Baghdad.

4. Criticism of Government Corruption and Wasted Billions

A widely shared post contextualized the scale of alleged government corruption by illustrating what one billion dollars could purchase for the country. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 57%) detailed how one billion dollars could buy an S-400 missile system battalion, 111 new Abrams tanks, or build a structure like the Burj Khalifa. He further noted that 10 billion dollars could build enough power stations for all of Iraq. The post criticizes Iraq for “pumping billions” to a neighboring country while its own needs are unmet and concludes by stating that former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wasted 1,000 billion dollars in ten years, using the hashtags #متصيرون_دولة (“You will not become a state”) and #لايمجن_الفراق (“Separation is not possible”).

5. New US Envoy Mark Savaya’s Pro-Kurdish Sentiments Cause a Stir

The appointment of Mark Savaya as the new US Special Envoy to Iraq sparked considerable discussion, focusing on a video clip in which he expresses strong personal affection for Kurdistan and its leadership. Multiple accounts, including Ghaith Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 24%), Mashaan Al-Jabouri (Post Impact: 15%), and Omar Abdul Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 13%), shared the clip where Savaya calls Masoud Barzani “my father” and describes him as “number one.” Al-Jabouri suggested that “Savaya’s view will undoubtedly be reflected in his mission in Iraq.” In contrast, Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali (Post Impact: 38%) defended the new envoy, dismissing claims that he has been bribed by the Iraqi government and criticizing those who write about him without knowing him or his plans.

6. Backlash Over Sheikh’s Remarks on Shia Wanting “War” Instead of Services

A video of Sheikh Mustafa Al-Ansari, described as a “Jihadi guide for the Iraqi resistance axis,” making controversial statements during a session with a political candidate, sparked outrage. Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 20%) questioned if the speaker was representing the entire Shia sect by claiming they desire “war and jihad” over public services. Salam Al-Husseini (Post Impact: 12%) wrote a detailed critique, arguing that such talk is ignorant and damages the image of Shia in Iraq, questioning whom the Sheikh represents and whether his views align with the state-building rhetoric of political leaders like Ammar al-Hakim. Ali Farhan (Post Impact: 13%) summarized the electoral program sarcastically as: “I will lead you into wars, jihad, and destruction!”

7. US Pressure on Iraq to Disarm Militias Intensifies

Discussions surrounding US demands for the disarmament of armed factions in Iraq were prevalent, with users pointing to increasing American pressure. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 15%) stated bluntly, “The conversation has become clear: Washington to Baghdad: No discussion about disarming the factions, and no leniency.” This narrative was reinforced by Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 7%), who quoted the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which reported that Iranian General Qaani warned Iraqi leaders that Prime Minister Al-Sudani might move against the factions in exchange for a US promise of a second term. Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 6%) also shared an analysis of a message from the US Secretary of State regarding the necessity of ending armed militias and questioned the Iraqi Prime Minister’s ability to achieve this.

8. Analyst Criticized for Referring to Terrorist Leader Al-Jolani as “Mr. Al-Sharaa”

A political analyst’s appearance on DW channel, where he referred to the internationally designated terrorist leader Al-Jolani as “Mr. Al-Sharaa,” drew sharp criticism. Ahmad Abdulsada (Post Impact: 13%) wrote a lengthy post condemning the analyst, whom he accused of being a mercenary willing to praise anyone for money, including a terrorist leader, and argued that this action damages the reputation of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) he claims to represent. He called on PMF officials to take action against the individual. Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 7%) also commented on the incident, mocking the analyst for quickly apologizing for the “slip-up” and criticizing the shifting alliances of those who once sent Iraqi youth to fight against such figures in Syria.

9. Ezzat Al-Shabandar’s Comments on Lack of Trust in Sunnis Stir Controversy

Comments made by politician Ezzat Al-Shabandar expressing a lack of trust in Sunni politicians generated a sectarian debate online. Wasan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 11%) shared a clip of Al-Shabandar stating, “We don’t have trust in the Sunnis, so we don’t give them security positions.” Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 9%) echoed this, quoting Al-Shabandar as saying Sunni politicians “supported terrorism” and sarcastically addressing Sunni leaders with, “Congratulations, ‘leaders of the component’.” Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 5%) also highlighted the statements, describing them as a “dangerous opinion and accusation” and questioning if this view is representative of the entire Shia political establishment.

10. Investigation Reveals Electoral Motive in Assassination of Safaa Al-Mashhadani

The investigation into the recent assassination of Baghdad provincial council member Safaa Al-Mashhadani was a key topic, especially after authorities announced the motive was political. Muna Sami (Post Impact: 7%) reported on the Karkh Investigation Court’s statement that two suspects confessed, and the crime was linked to “electoral competition between people from the same area.” This finding was highlighted by other users like Zainab Al-Ghanim (Post Impact: 7%) and Ali Almadany (Post Impact: 7%), who criticized media outlets and figures they accused of initially trying to frame the assassination as a sectarian crime. Almadany noted that many who pushed the sectarian narrative went silent or deleted their posts once the real, non-sectarian motive was revealed.