Based on an analysis of 408 Facebook posts trending on April 28, 2026, by Miqrab AI, the primary narratives in Iraq revolve around the formation of a new government and major security operations. The designation of Ali Faleh Kazem al-Zaydi as the new Prime Minister dominated discussions, with posts ranging from official statements of support from current PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to widespread satirical commentary and public skepticism about the political process. Concurrently, a high-profile security operation targeting the notorious figure Ismail, also known as “Abu Deraa,” captured significant attention, with the Ministry of Interior releasing details of arrests and seizures, prompting many pages to revisit his violent sectarian history. Other prominent themes included praise for the Iraqi security forces, political maneuvering among party leaders, and public debate over proposed legislation.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. New PM-Designate Ali al-Zaydi Sparks Hope and Skepticism

The designation of Ali Faleh Kazem al-Zaydi as the new Prime Minister was the most engaged topic. Outgoing Prime Minister Al-Mahندس محمد شياع السوداني (Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani) (Post Impact: 72%) announced he met with al-Zaydi, emphasizing the need for national unity and expressing his support for a successful government formation to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. In a widely viewed video, influencer حيدر الحمداني (Hayder Al-Hamdani) (Post Impact: 100%) directed a message to the PM-designate from Dubai. The news also triggered a wave of satire and cynicism. MP مصطفى سند – Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 38%) sarcastically posted, “Let me post this, maybe they’ll give me a ministry since God has arranged it for those born in ’85.” Similarly, the page ست اشواق ام القانونية (Set Ashwaq Um al-Qanouniya) (Post Impact: 20%) questioned why no changes have occurred in Iraq despite having a new prime minister.

2. Security Forces Raid and Arrest Associates of “Abu Deraa”

A major security operation in Baghdad targeting Ismail, known as “Abu Deraa,” was a top story. The وزارة الداخلية العراقية (Iraqi Ministry of Interior) (Post Impact: 53%) issued an official statement detailing the raid on properties belonging to Abu Deraa, his sons, and his protection detail. The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of 13 vehicles, large quantities of heavy, medium, and light weapons, and cash. The ministry confirmed that 16 arrest warrants have been issued and the manhunt for the main suspect is ongoing. This prompted many pages, such as د. يحيى الكبيسي (Dr. Yahya Alkubisi) (Post Impact: 11%) and الخلية التكتيكية (The Tactical Cell) (Post Impact: 12%), to recount Abu Deraa’s notorious past as a sectarian militia leader responsible for numerous killings during the mid-2000s, questioning why he is only being pursued now for lesser crimes like threatening municipality employees. اخر الاحداث العراقية (Latest Iraqi Events) (Post Impact: 10%) also reported on the arrest, linking it directly to his threats against Baghdad Municipality staff.

3. Pages Showcase Strength of Iraqi Security and Counter-Terrorism Forces

Several highly engaged posts celebrated the Iraqi security forces. The page دعم القوات الأمنية العراقية (Support for Iraqi Security Forces) (Post Impact: 39%) shared a video of soldiers in combat with the caption, “This is what they call one in a hundred men, lions in the battlefields.” The official account of the جهاز مكافحة الإرهاب العراقي Icts (Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service) (Post Impact: 25%) posted a reel with what it described as “real scenes” from a recent operation, using the hashtag #WeWillRemainVictorious. The same security-focused page, دعم القوات الأمنية العراقية (Support for Iraqi Security Forces) (Post Impact: 12%), also published a clip of special forces officers preparing for a mission. These posts collectively paint a picture of capable and heroic national forces.

4. Political Leaders Meet to Discuss Government Formation

Beyond the appointment of the new PM-designate, other high-level political meetings were a key topic. The page of المهندس محمد شياع السوداني (Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani) (Post Impact: 72%) announced his meeting with PM-designate Ali al-Zaydi to discuss national affairs and the new government. Separately, محمد الحلبوسي (Mohammed Al-Halbousi) (Post Impact: 7%), head of the Taqadum Party, reported on his meeting with Qais Khazali, the Secretary-General of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement. Their discussion focused on the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of enhancing stability and unifying visions among political forces. The ائتلاف الإعمار والتنمية (Reconstruction and Development Coalition) (Post Impact: 2%) also shared a statement from the Coordination Framework’s meeting, which discussed the formation of the new cabinet and the criteria for selecting ministers.

5. Heavy Rains and Unusual Cloud Formations in Baghdad

Weather conditions in the capital were a notable topic of conversation. The page ست اشواق ام القانونية (Set Ashwaq Um al-Qanouniya) (Post Impact: 21%) posted a photo of a flooded street with a humorous caption, saying, “Hey, come back and steal the clouds, we’re going to drown.” Meanwhile, تلسكوب العراق (Telescope Iraq) (Post Impact: 18%) shared a picture of a dramatic arcus cloud that passed over Baghdad, comparing its shape to the arm of the Milky Way galaxy and asking followers if they saw it.

6. Parliament Considers Public Sector and Security Forces Laws

Discussions in parliament regarding laws affecting government employees and security personnel were reported by several pages. ماهر موحي::صوت حماة الوطن (Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors) (Post Impact: 19%) noted that the Council of Representatives is discussing an amendment to the Service and Retirement Law for members of the Internal Security Forces. On a related note, former minister باقر جبر الزبيدي (Baqir Jabr al-Zubaidi) (Post Impact: 5%) wrote about the urgent need to pass the Civil Service Law to establish a fair salary scale for all state employees and retirees, arguing it would end the great disparity in pay between different ministries and restore the middle class.

7. Altercation Between Driver and Police in Al-Mansour

An incident involving a physical altercation between a young driver and traffic police in the Al-Mansour district of Baghdad generated discussion. اخر الاحداث العراقية (Latest Iraqi Events) (Post Impact: 11%) shared the driver’s side of the story, where he claimed he was trying to rush a sick friend to the hospital and that the police officer assaulted him, causing his nose to bleed. The page خبر عاجل (Urgent News) (Post Impact: 5%) also covered the incident, sharing the young man’s accusation that both traffic and patrol police officers beat him, and asked its followers who they believed was at fault.

8. PSG vs. Bayern Munich Football Match Captures Attention

A high-scoring football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich was a popular topic of discussion, with several pages covering the event. The page الخوة النظيفة (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 15%) reported on the “fiery football night” where PSG won the first-leg match 5-4. Commentator ستيفن نبيل :: Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 4%) commented on the “offensive battle” in the game. Journalist احمد ملا طلال (Ahmad Mulla Talal) (Post Impact: 2%) drew a parallel between the excitement of the match and the joy of seeing an end to the political deadlock in forming the Iraqi government.

9. Proposed Law to Punish Insults Against Religious Figures

A legislative proposal to stiffen penalties for insulting religious symbols garnered attention. خبر عاجل (Urgent News) (Post Impact: 7%) reported that MP Nehal al-Shammari has submitted a proposal to amend the current law. The amendment would introduce a five-year prison sentence for anyone who insults prophets, the companions, or the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, and would also eliminate the possibility of bail for the accused. The page سالفة ونص (A Story and a Half) (Post Impact: 4%) also covered the story, outlining the proposed legal changes and noting that they are part of a parliamentary effort to increase legal protections for religious figures.

10. Legality of PM-Designate’s Appointment Questioned

While many posts announced the new PM-designate, some questioned the constitutionality of his appointment. The page الحرة 360 (Alhurra 360) (Post Impact: 5%) published a legal analysis claiming that Ali al-Zaydi’s designation is “void” from a constitutional and legal standpoint. The article argues that he lacks the required “good conduct and reputation” due to open corruption cases against him. It also states that existing US sanctions against him and his bank make him ineligible to represent Iraq internationally, potentially leading to a “protocol and legal paralysis” for the state. Page Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 2%) also expressed skepticism, posting “No matter how I look at it, it’s an entrapment.”