Based on 433 Facebook posts analyzed on January 11, 2026, Miqrab AI identified several key themes and narratives dominating online discussions in Iraq. The primary focus was on domestic politics, particularly the ongoing government formation process. A highly engaged-with statement from a Sadrist-affiliated page rejecting any association with the new government set a confrontational tone, while numerous pages tracked the political maneuvers of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose potential return is being widely discussed. Alongside high-level politics, Iraqis engaged with stories criticizing government spending, security concerns such as illegal border crossings, new political appointments, and regional developments, especially the escalating protests in Iran and rising tensions between the US and Iran.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Questions Raised Over President’s 4 Billion Dinar Salary

The satirical news page Albasheer Show (Post Impact: 56%) sparked a conversation about the expenses of the Iraqi presidency. In multiple widely shared video clips, the show sarcastically questioned the allocation of four billion dinars for the president’s petty cash and salary. A follow-up post from the same page (Post Impact: 18%) continued the theme, asking where the President of the Republic spends this sum. The posts use humor to criticize what is portrayed as excessive government spending at the highest levels.

2. Sadrists Warn Against Being Tied to New Government

A statement posted on the highly influential page Muslah Muhammad Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 100%), attributed to Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi, strongly rejected any association with the incoming government. The statement decried what it called “malicious attempts by the ruling cabal to insert our name into their government formation, even by nominating figures who previously belonged to us.” Al-Iraqi declared this practice “forbidden,” arguing it is a tactic to create the false impression that the government is “Sadrist,” which would lead to the movement being blamed for its anticipated failures. The post concludes that such a move would be an “insistence on corruption.”

3. Nouri al-Maliki’s Political Activities Spark Debate

The potential political comeback of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was a major topic of discussion. The Iraqi Media Center (Post Impact: 42%) reported his statement that the “first decision I will make if I receive the post of prime minister is to hold the corrupt accountable.” His official Nouri AlMaliki page (Post Impact: 30%) highlighted his meeting with the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Hibt al-Halbousi. Meanwhile, other pages like Ann Salah (Post Impact: 12%) shared claims from political analyst Ali Al-Alawi that Maliki would “tear up the tax book” imposed by the al-Sudani government upon taking office. However, his potential return also drew criticism, with the page Basim Khazal Khashan (Post Impact: 6%) questioning if someone with “an iota of dignity” would seek a third term after the fall of a third of Iraq during his second.

4. Hibat al-Halbousi’s Election as Parliament Speaker

The recent election of Hibat al-Halbousi as the new Speaker of Parliament was covered across political pages. The official page of Nouri AlMaliki (Post Impact: 30%) shared news of a meeting where Maliki congratulated al-Halbousi on his election and winning the confidence of parliament members. In a more critical tone, Albasheer Show (Post Impact: 20%) posted a video clip described as a “leak from inside parliament about the selection of Hibat al-Halbousi,” suggesting behind-the-scenes dealings influenced the outcome.

5. Illegal Border Crossings in Kurdistan Region Harm Economy

The issue of illegal border crossings in the Kurdistan Region gained attention after statements by the Head of the Border Ports Authority, Major General Omar al-Waeli. Pages like Al Hadath Iraq (Post Impact: 33%) and Support of Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 6%) shared a video of al-Waeli confirming the existence of “unofficial crossings and ports in the region” that he says “directly affect federal trade and revenues.” The posts highlight a significant challenge to the state’s economic sovereignty and revenue collection.

6. Baligh Abu Kalal Appointed Head of Media Commission

News of a key government appointment was shared by multiple outlets. Pages including The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 32%) and Technology and Communications (Post Impact: 4%) reported that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani had officially tasked Baligh Abu Kalal, a leader in the Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement, with the role of Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission.

7. Child’s Prank Call to Interior Minister Goes Viral

A lighthearted story about a child’s prank call to the Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir al-Shammari, was widely shared. Pages such as Mohammad Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 16%) and Hisham Ali (Post Impact: 5%) posted a clip of the call, which reportedly took place at 6 a.m. In the clip, the child is heard cheekily telling the minister, “If you block me, you’ll find me at the fifth opening,” a playful threat that amused social media users.

8. Developments in Iranian Protests Watched Closely

Iraqi pages are closely monitoring the escalating civil unrest in neighboring Iran. The Clean Brotherhood (Post Impact: 9%) cited Iran’s Tasnim news agency, reporting that “109 security personnel were killed during riots that swept the country in recent days.” Another page, Ahmed Al-Washah (Post Impact: 5%), shared a video claiming to show “direct gunfire on protesters in Iran by regime forces,” reporting a death toll of 50. The page Ahmed Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 4%) noted that Baghdad is watching the growing protests with concern over their regional implications.

9. Seven Border Guards Die in Anbar Traffic Accident

The death of seven border guards in a traffic accident was announced and mourned by official and public pages. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 8%) and the Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 3%) both released statements from Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari mourning the personnel. The statements confirmed the victims were from the 1st Regiment of the 6th Border Brigade and died in a “regrettable traffic accident on the highway in Anbar province while on their way to duty.” The page Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 3%) also reported on the incident, noting the seven victims were from Nineveh.

10. Fears of a US Military Strike on Iran Circulate

Concerns about a potential US military strike against Iran are circulating on Iraqi social media. The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 8%) reported that “Trump is seriously considering a military strike against Iran” but that the US military command has informed him they are not ready. In a related story, the Iraqi Media Center (Post Impact: 5%) discussed a “final warning” from Washington to Baghdad, described as a threat to use the “weapon of starvation” unless armed factions are dismantled immediately. Finally, From Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) cited a Reuters report that Israel has entered a state of high alert in anticipation of such a strike.