Based on an analysis of 186 X / Twitter posts by Miqrab AI on December 18, 2025, the primary narratives circulating in Iraq revolve around regional security, international politics, and cultural events. The most prominent multi-source discussions included an Iraqi special forces operation inside Syria to capture wanted terrorists and online reactions to the Arab Cup final, which saw some Iraqi accounts mocking Jordan’s loss. Other significant conversations focused on the kidnapping of a Shia woman in Syria, domestic calls to disarm factions, and the implications of new US legislation targeting these groups. High-engagement announcements from single influential accounts, such as Barham Salih’s election to a top UN post and a story about a hero who foiled a terror attack in Sydney, also captured significant attention, though they were positioned lower in the trend list due to being single-source narratives.

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

1. Iraqi Social Media Mocks Jordan After Arab Cup Loss

Following Jordan’s defeat in the Arab Cup final, several Iraqi social media accounts shared content mocking the Jordanian team and its supporters. The account Haidar (Post Impact: 40%) posted a video with the caption, “Jordan is a bubble made by Iraq.” Similarly, Ahmed Al-Thawaq (Post Impact: 15%) expressed satisfaction with the outcome, writing, “Oh, my love for Jordan’s tears.” Adding to the sentiment, the account Abu Drandesh Al-Askari (Post Impact: 7%) shared a video of a goal against Jordan, suggesting it be used to annoy any Jordanian who bothers them. These posts indicate a current of schadenfreude among some Iraqi users regarding the Jordanian team’s performance.

2. Iraqi Forces Conduct Airdrop Operation in Syria

Multiple accounts reported on a special military operation conducted by Iraqi forces inside Syrian territory. Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 36%) announced that an airborne force from the Falcons Intelligence Cell executed an airdrop, leading to the arrest of two important terrorist targets. He noted the operation was conducted in coordination with Syrian security forces and with technical support from the international coalition, suggesting that “the seeds of Iraqi-Syrian rapprochement have begun to bear fruit.” This was corroborated by the official Security Media Cell (Post Impact: 7%), which issued a statement confirming the details. Accounts like Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 13%) and Haidar (Post Impact: 20%) also celebrated the news, emphasizing that Iraqi forces are pursuing the enemy everywhere.

3. Kidnapping of Shia Woman in Syria Sparks Outrage

A story about the abduction of a young Shia woman in Aleppo, Syria, drew condemnation from several Iraqi accounts. Haidar (Post Impact: 35%) reported on the kidnapping of Aya Dasho from the Shia community in Aleppo province, stating that kidnapping operations are ongoing. This was echoed by Hassan Al-Kaabi | Hassan Alkaabi (Post Impact: 8%), who attributed the act to “Jolani’s gangs,” asserting that their crimes against Shiites are continuing with this latest abduction in the city of Nubl. The posts highlight concerns over the security and safety of the Shia minority in parts of Syria.

4. Calls to Address Armed Factions and Extremism in Iraq

Commentators expressed growing concerns about the role and power of armed factions in Iraq, suggesting that the current approach is insufficient. Dr. Ihssan Al-Shmary (Post Impact: 34%) stated that the demand is no longer just about dismantling weapons and their presence in the next government, claiming, “The matter is much more than that…..” In a similar vein, Sheikh Thair Al-Bayati (Post Impact: 4%) warned of a new form of extremism, arguing that while Sunnis were afflicted with ISIS, “the danger today is Shiite extremism in the guise of the state,” characterized by sacred weapons and legitimized corruption. He concluded that those who do not fix their own house will be afflicted by what comes out of it.

5. Congratulations for Morocco’s Victory in the Arab Cup

The conclusion of the Arab Cup, with Morocco emerging as the victor, was a major topic of celebration. Raghad Saddam Hussein (Post Impact: 28%) congratulated the “Atlas Lions” on winning the cup and praised the Jordanian team and all other Arab teams. She also thanked Qatar for its excellent organization, stating that the tournament “confirmed that sport is a bridge of love and unity.” Other accounts like Sufian Samarrai (Post Impact: 7%) and ZaidBenjamin Zaid Benjamin (Post Impact: 5%) also shared messages of congratulations, with the latter noting that Morocco won with its reserve team and that “Arab football must learn a lot from Morocco.”

6. Debate Over New US Legislation Targeting Iraqi Armed Groups

A new US defense bill containing clauses related to Iraqi armed groups sparked debate and clarification. Hiba Alnnayib (Post Impact: 25%) reported that the US Congress voted on the law, which she claims will require the Iraqi Prime Minister to disarm all forces outside the army and police under American supervision, or face severe sanctions. However, Salim Aljomaili (Post Impact: 9%) offered a correction, stating that reports of a law forcing immediate disarmament under US supervision were “inaccurate and exaggerated.” He clarified that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026 ties a portion of US security aid to verifiable steps by the Iraqi government to reduce the weapons of informal factions through Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs, describing it as political and financial pressure rather than an ultimatum with immediate sanctions.

7. Barham Salih Elected UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Former Iraqi President Barham Salih (Post Impact: 100%) announced his election as the incoming United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In a series of posts in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, he stated he was honored by the appointment. Drawing on his personal history, he wrote, “As a former refugee, I know first-hand how protection and opportunity can change the course of a life. That experience will inform a leadership approach grounded in empathy, pragmatism, and a principled commitment to international law.” He thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the General Assembly for their confidence and pledged to work with member states and partners to mobilize resources for those most in need during a time of record displacement.

8. Praise and Donations for Man Who Thwarted Sydney Terror Attack

A widely shared story highlighted the public response to a man who intervened in a terrorist attack in Sydney. Sufian Samarrai (Post Impact: 83%) reported that the Australian Christian community donated approximately 2.8 million Australian dollars to Ahmed Al-Ahmad, the man who “foiled half of the jihadi terrorist attack operation on innocent unarmed Jewish civilians on the beaches of Sydney.” The post praised this act of generosity and solidarity, showcasing a positive reaction from the public to Al-Ahmad’s heroic actions.

9. Discussions on US Influence Over Iraqi Government Formation

The topic of foreign influence, particularly from the United States, on the formation of Iraq’s next government was discussed by political commentators. Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 6%), quoting Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, reported that a prominent leader in the Coordination Framework stated the US is conditioning its cooperation on the selection of a prime minister not aligned with Iran-allied factions. According to the source, this pressure has already eliminated several candidates. Similarly, Mohammed Jabbar (Post Impact: 5%) analyzed that the Coordination Framework’s ambition is no longer about building a sovereign political project but rather about finding a balance to reduce the cost of confrontation with the US, effectively accepting Washington’s conditions for the next prime minister.

10. The Debate Over Establishing a Region in Basra

The political and social debate surrounding the proposal to establish a semi-autonomous federal region in Basra resurfaced on social media. Zina Al Saab (Post Impact: 6%) posted critically on the issue, contrasting the perceived acceptance of a Basra region with the rejection of a similar status for western provinces. She sarcastically noted, “When it’s about the Basra Region, it’s permissible, but when it’s a region for the western provinces, it’s forbidden!!” She directed her criticism at Sunni politicians for not securing rights for their constituents. The topic was also set to be featured on television, as announced by Sajad Al-Jubouri (Post Impact: 3%), who promoted an Al Sharqiya News segment titled “Basra Region” on his show.