2026-05-13: Public Weighs in on PM Sudani’s Concluding Term
Based on a Miqrab AI analysis of 473 trending X / Twitter posts in Iraq on May 13, 2026, the primary narratives focused on domestic political transitions, particularly the conclusion of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s term and public speculation about his legacy. Regionally, significant attention was given to unconfirmed reports, citing Reuters, of Saudi and Kuwaiti airstrikes against Iranian-backed factions within Iraq. Geopolitical discussions were also prominent, centered on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China and its potential ramifications for U.S.-Iran relations. Other notable topics included the reported return of U.S. forces to Iraq, a potential new regional defense alliance involving Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and allegations of an Israeli intelligence operation that compromised Iraqi data.
Table Of Content
- 1. Public Weighs in on PM Sudani’s Concluding Term
- 2. Reports of Saudi and Kuwaiti Airstrikes in Iraq
- 3. Trump’s Visit to China and its Global Implications
- 4. Resignation of Thmanyah Founder Sparks Discussion
- 5. 1920s Iraqi Exam Paper Stirs Nostalgia
- 6. Reports of US Forces Resuming Missions in Iraq
- 7. Allegations of Mossad Officer Infiltrating Iraqi Ministries
- 8. Trump Reportedly Rejected Israeli Plan to Topple Iran
- 9. New Regional Defense Alliance in Formation
- 10. US Veto Reportedly Sidelines Factions from New Government
Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:
1. Public Weighs in on PM Sudani’s Concluding Term
Several accounts are polling their followers for opinions on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani as his term in office concludes. Hiba Al-Nnaayib HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 54%) asks, “After the end of Muhammad Shia’ Al-Shrouki’s term, what do you say to him?”, using a colloquial name for the prime minister. Similarly, Amir Athab (Post Impact: 39%) poses the question in a post with a picture of Al Sudani, “Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani is hours away from leaving office, what last words would you like to address to him, how was his four-year term?” These posts reflect a broader social media conversation evaluating the performance and legacy of the outgoing prime minister ahead of a governmental transition.
2. Reports of Saudi and Kuwaiti Airstrikes in Iraq
Multiple accounts are reporting, with some citing Reuters, that Saudi and Kuwaiti military aircraft conducted airstrikes on targets inside Iraq during a recent conflict involving Iran. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 91%) states that “Saudi military aircraft bombed sites of Iranian-backed Iraqi factions inside Iraq during the war between Iran, America, and Israel.” Ali Farhan ali farhan (Post Impact: 53%) also reports that both Saudi and Kuwaiti fighter jets struck targets linked to armed factions. In a similar vein, Sabereen News – Sabereen news (Post Impact: 16%), citing a security source, describes these as “acts of aggression carried out by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait” against Iraqi military sites.
3. Trump’s Visit to China and its Global Implications
The visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to Beijing is a significant topic of discussion, with varied interpretations of its purpose and reception. Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 51%) describes Trump’s arrival with leaders of major American companies, suggesting he is “waiting for the big deal: Taiwan in exchange for Iran.” Conversely, Wassan Al-Shaikhli (Post Impact: 41%) highlights that China sent only a Foreign Ministry representative for the airport reception, viewing it as an insult that has diminished America’s prestige. Rafid Jaboori Rafid Jaboori (Post Impact: 18%) frames the visit as the most important current event for global economics and strategy, asserting that Trump’s future decisions on Iran will be based on the outcome of these talks.
4. Resignation of Thmanyah Founder Sparks Discussion
The resignation of Abdul Rahman Abu Maleh, founder of the media company Thmanyah and its popular podcast “Finjan,” is a major topic of conversation. Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 100%) notes a widespread agreement that Abu Maleh achieved a significant milestone in Arab digital media. The post credits him with breaking prevailing podcast formats by shifting from “superficial and fast content to deep and long-form,” a move considered risky for a startup at the time. Maki concludes that Abu Maleh’s success, despite coming from a software engineering background, proves that the media world is open to creative minds from other fields.
5. 1920s Iraqi Exam Paper Stirs Nostalgia
A viral post featuring an image of a 6th-grade exam paper from the Kingdom of Iraq in the 1920s has stirred conversation about the country’s educational history. Abu Maryam (Post Impact: 69%) shares commentary from a Kuwaiti observer who stated that anyone who could answer the questions “deserves an honorary doctorate!” The post links the high academic standards of the past to Iraq’s later production of numerous nuclear scientists, contrasting that era’s rigor with the present state of education and expressing amazement at the two-hour time limit for such a challenging test.
6. Reports of US Forces Resuming Missions in Iraq
Accounts are reporting on the imminent return of U.S. forces to Baghdad to resume their duties within the Joint Operations Command. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 67%) states that technical and logistical preparations are underway, adding sarcastically that the “(occupier) is returning strongly amidst the outcry of the factions!” This information is echoed by Abu Maryam (Post Impact: 19%), who reports that preparations have begun for the return of American military leaders and that a team of senior U.S. commanders and special forces will arrive in Baghdad in the near future.
7. Allegations of Mossad Officer Infiltrating Iraqi Ministries
A serious national security concern is being discussed following claims of foreign intelligence infiltration. Salim Al-Jumaili (Post Impact: 51%) reports on an allegation that an Egyptian businessman with a French passport, who claimed to own digital transformation and cybersecurity companies, met with two Iraqi ministers and successfully obtained the data of the Iraqi people. The post further claims that it was later discovered the individual was an officer in the Israeli Mossad, raising alarms about a significant intelligence breach.
8. Trump Reportedly Rejected Israeli Plan to Topple Iran
Discussions are underway regarding former President Donald Trump’s complex stance on Iran and the Kurds. Citing the Jerusalem Post, Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 51%) reports that Trump personally rejected an Israeli proposal to support an armed Kurdish uprising inside Iran, a decision attributed to “fierce” Turkish pressure and Pentagon reservations. This occurred despite Trump’s public criticism of the Kurds, whom he accused of having “disappointed us… they take and don’t give.” In a related post, Diyar Kurda (Post Impact: 47%) shares an article asserting that, contrary to Trump’s claims, promised weapons were never actually received by the Kurds, according to a U.S. Defense official.
9. New Regional Defense Alliance in Formation
There is growing discussion about the formation of a new regional defense alliance centered around Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 37%)**, citing Pakistan’s Defense Minister, announces the possibility of Turkey and Qatar joining the strategic defense agreement, making it a four-nation pact. Liqaa Maki (Post Impact: 38%) analyzes this as a “qualitative shift in the balance of power in the region,” which would create an influential international coalition to counter “bullying from Israel or Iran.”
10. US Veto Reportedly Sidelines Factions from New Government
Reports indicate that a U.S. veto is influencing the formation of the new Iraqi government by excluding certain armed factions, particularly Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq. Abu Maryam (Post Impact: 36%)** reports that the faction was informed they could not participate in the next government and that their members in senior positions would be removed. Corroborating this, Ali Farhan ali farhan (Post Impact: 32%)** cites a political source stating that the parliamentary vote on the Ministry of Labor is being postponed specifically because of the “American veto on al-Asa’ib.”



