2026-10-28: Ghaith al-Tamimi Congratulates Netanyahu on Election Victory
Based on an analysis of 443 X / Twitter posts conducted by Miqrab AI on October 28, 2026, the primary narratives circulating in Iraq centered on foreign policy and domestic identity politics. The most prominent discussion involved Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi’s official visit to Syria, where he met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and made significant personal donations to religious sites, sparking both praise and criticism. A highly viral post by Ghaith al-Tamimi congratulating Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on his election victory generated significant controversy. Concurrently, a heated debate erupted over comments made by actress Alaa Hussein prioritizing religious creed over national identity, leading to widespread commentary on the nature of Iraqi citizenship. Other key topics included a dispute between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government over security arrangements in Sinjar, the commemoration of the Tishreen protest movement, and rising regional military tensions involving Iran.
Table Of Content
- 1. Ghaith al-Tamimi Congratulates Netanyahu on Election Victory
- 2. PM al-Zaydi’s Controversial Visit and Donations in Syria
- 3. Debate Flares Over Actress Alaa Hussein’s Remarks
- 4. PM Meets Syrian Leader Wanted by Iraqi Judiciary
- 5. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali on Primacy of Nation Over Creed
- 6. KRG and Baghdad Clash Over Sinjar Security Arrangements
- 7. Accounts Discuss Pro-Iran Stances and “Iranian Charm”
- 8. Yemeni Forces Showcase Drone Accuracy Against Houthis
- 9. Tishreen Revolution Commemorated on Safaa al-Saray’s Anniversary
- 10. Iran-Iraq War Narratives Resurface Online
Today’s Top 10 X (Twitter) Trends in Iraq:
1. Ghaith al-Tamimi Congratulates Netanyahu on Election Victory
Ghaith al-Tamimi sparked a major controversy with a post congratulating the “brotherly Israeli people” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his election victory. The post from Ghaith Al-Tamimi (Post Impact: 100%) described the win as “great” and noted the success of the Arab bloc in securing seats. Other accounts echoed support for the outcome, with moola abood alkarakhi (Post Impact: 7%) celebrating the win as ensuring “another term of firm resolve against Iran and its rats.” Similarly, Sufian Al-Samarrai (Post Impact: 7%) referred to Netanyahu as the “Lion of Zion” and described his win as a “crushing victory” against the interests of Qatar, Turkey, and Iran.
2. PM al-Zaydi’s Controversial Visit and Donations in Syria
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaydi’s official visit to Damascus dominated conversations. The Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 21%) announced the visit involved bilateral talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to enhance relations. The visit included tours of the Sayyidah Zaynab shrine and the Umayyad Mosque, where, according to the PM’s Office (Post Impact: 53%), al-Zaydi donated $10 million from his personal account to both sites. The visit was praised by some, like Zaidon Samir (Post Impact: 38%) who shared photos with the caption “Syria and Iraq cannot be separated.” However, it also drew criticism, with Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 29%) questioning if the Minister of Communications would now object to the visit. Accounts like Haidar (Post Impact: 27%) reported the PM’s announcement that visits for Iraqis would increase.
3. Debate Flares Over Actress Alaa Hussein’s Remarks
A video clip of actress Alaa Hussein prioritizing religious creed over national identity sparked a significant online debate. Tamara Alkhazraji (Post Impact: 55%) posted the clip with a critical comment, stating, “The most important thing is to defend the sect and creed, even if one does not adhere to the simplest conditions of piety.” Her remarks were defended by some, with Mustafa Al-Dulaimi (Post Impact: 22%) arguing that she is free in her convictions and questioning the backlash. Others, like analyst MUNQITH DAGHER (Post Impact: 8%), offered a detailed critique, arguing that modern states are built on citizenship, not creed, and that such statements risk changing her image from an “Iraqi artist” to a “doctrinal artist.”
4. PM Meets Syrian Leader Wanted by Iraqi Judiciary
Several accounts highlighted the irony of Prime Minister al-Zaydi’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, pointing out that some Iraqi politicians had previously called for his arrest. Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 24%) noted that “pro-militia platforms and faction leaders used to demand the accountability of anyone who communicates with or meets the Syrian President!” Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 20%) shared a video of MP Mustafa Sanad displaying an arrest warrant for al-Sharaa, commenting ironically, “Then al-Sharaa became president of Syria!!” Similarly, HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 14%) questioned whether al-Zaydi would now enforce the warrant and bring al-Sharaa to Iraqi prisons.
5. Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali on Primacy of Nation Over Creed
Amid broader debates on identity, politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali/Kalmati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 36%) posted a widely shared statement distinguishing between the nation and creed. He wrote, “The nation is one. And creed is of three types: religious, sectarian, and ideological (partisan).” He argued that while the nation provides for its citizens, creeds often take from them through religious taxes and party fees. This theme was echoed by others, such as Bahaa khaleel (Post Impact: 6%), who commented on the Alaa Hussein interview by stating that creed can change but the nation cannot, and that members of the security forces fought to defend a nation they belong to, not just a creed.
6. KRG and Baghdad Clash Over Sinjar Security Arrangements
The security situation in Sinjar became a point of contention between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad. The Kurdistan Regional Government (Post Impact: 11%) issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over unilateral agreements made by the federal government, stating they violate the 2020 Sinjar Agreement and disrespect the sacrifices of the Peshmerga. In response, the Prime Minister’s Media Office (Post Impact: 9%) issued a statement from the Commander-in-Chief’s spokesman, asserting that the measures, including the integration of the “Sinjar Protection Units” into the official armed forces, are “exclusively federal duties” and that the government is committed to restoring stability and enabling the return of displaced people. Haidar (Post Impact: 8%) also shared the federal government’s response.
7. Accounts Discuss Pro-Iran Stances and “Iranian Charm”
Discussions surrounding Iran’s influence in Iraq featured prominently, with accounts expressing sharply divided views. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 23%) posted a strongly worded statement against those who align with Iran against Iraqis, declaring, “Whoever is not with us is against us.” In contrast, Ahmed Abdul Sada (Post Impact: 11%) wrote a lengthy post titled “Why do Iranians charm us?!” arguing that defending Iran is a costly path but one taken for the “pride and honor of the position.” He claims Iranians grant their allies “glory, elevation, strength, pride, and appreciation.” Meanwhile, Wesam Aziz (Post Impact: 7%) dismissed critics of Iran, stating they are all from “the incubators of Saddam’s Ba’ath Party.”
8. Yemeni Forces Showcase Drone Accuracy Against Houthis
A post from Aayad Al Twfan – Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 50%) highlighted developments in the war in Yemen. The account shared a video showing what it described as “the heroes of Yemen” demonstrating high levels of training and firing accuracy in their fight against Houthi militias. The post claims that this improved precision has made drone strikes on Houthi targets—including individuals, vehicles, shelters, and trenches—a “foregone conclusion,” resulting in death, injury, or destruction.
9. Tishreen Revolution Commemorated on Safaa al-Saray’s Anniversary
The anniversary of the death of activist Safaa al-Saray on October 28 was commemorated by several accounts, which used the occasion to reflect on the Tishreen (October) protest movement. Firas W. Alsarray – Firas Al-Sarray (Post Impact: 13%) marked the date with a simple tribute video. Activist Sajad Salim (Post Impact: 7%) wrote that Tishreen has not been and will not be defeated, framing the current oppression as a sign of the regime’s crisis, not the movement’s. He called on supporters to remain optimistic. Similarly, politician Faiq Al-Sheikh Ali/Kalmati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 36%) ended a post about national identity with the hashtag #The_October_Revolution_Will_Triumph.
10. Iran-Iraq War Narratives Resurface Online
Historical narratives from the Iran-Iraq War were a topic of discussion. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 25%) shared the story of “Taswahen,” described as a heroic Iraqi woman from Amara who tricked and helped capture invading Iranian soldiers during the war. This post presents a patriotic Iraqi narrative of the conflict. In a separate context, Zaidon Samir (Post Impact: 12%), reacting to actress Alaa Hussein’s statements, questioned historical “fallacies” about the war, specifically challenging the idea that Iraq was the aggressor.
