Based on an analysis of 523 X / Twitter posts conducted by Miqrab AI on August 24, 2025, the primary narratives circulating in Iraq revolve around escalating political and security tensions. Dominating the conversation is the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), with posts highlighting both defiant statements of the group’s strength and widespread reports of a US ultimatum demanding its dismantlement, leading to discussions about the Iraqi government withdrawing a law supporting the PMF. This coincides with serious concerns about a potential resurgence of ISIS in the security vacuum created by an accelerated US troop withdrawal. Other significant topics include the controversial disqualification of several candidates from upcoming elections, sparking debates about political targeting, and public outcry over alleged fraudulent naturalization of thousands of Syrians in Anbar province.

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

1. US-PMF Tensions and a Reported Ultimatum

The future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, is the most dominant topic. Qais al-Khazali (Post Impact: 100%) shared an image of himself with a quote declaring, “Today, the Popular Mobilization Forces are stronger than ever and are a treasure for all Iraqis.” This defiant statement contrasts sharply with widespread reports shared by accounts like Omar Abd Al Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 41%) and Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 17%) claiming Washington has given Baghdad a three-week deadline to dismantle the PMF and its associated militias. In response, several users, including Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 35%) and Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 25%), report that the Coordination Framework has decided to withdraw the PMF law from parliament, a move interpreted as capitulation to US pressure.

2. Disqualification of Candidates Sparks Election Controversy

A major political story involves the Independent High Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify several candidates from the upcoming elections. Faig Alsheakh/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 30%) and Husham Ali (Post Impact: 10%) were among many who listed the names of excluded individuals, with a particular focus on current MP Sajjad Salem. The news prompted strong and varied reactions. Some accounts, like Emad Bajalan (Post Impact: 29%), expressed celebratory sentiment. However, others voiced outrage, with Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 16%) arguing that the exclusion of Sajjad Salem proves the system is against moderate voices and has turned into a “comprehensive dictatorship.” Salim Al-Jumaili (Post Impact: 9%) noted Salem’s significant popularity, suggesting the decision was politically motivated.

3. Fears of ISIS Resurgence After US Withdrawal

Fears of a security vacuum and a potential return of ISIS are being voiced in response to the withdrawal of US forces. Faig Alsheakh/Kalimati Lil Tarikh (Post Impact: 55%) posted a stark warning: “This time when ISIS and the forces of darkness and backwardness enter, they will not stop at the walls of Baghdad… they will enter Baghdad! Because no one will fight them!” He attributes this to the US departure, exposed counter-terrorism forces without weapons, and a populace that wants to overthrow the regime. The concern that an accelerated US withdrawal could destabilize the country and enable a comeback for terror groups was also shared by Mohammed Jabbar (Post Impact: 7%), who wrote that it leaves Iraq facing a “potential return of ISIS” and other complex security challenges.

4. Controversy Over Naturalization of Syrians in Anbar

A highly contentious topic is the alleged fraudulent naturalization of thousands of Syrians in Anbar province. Emad Al Musafir (Post Impact: 37%) questioned the “hidden goals” behind the scheme. More detailed accusations came from Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 18%) and Ahmad Abdul Sada (Post Impact: 10%), who described it as a dangerous plot. They claim the goals are to increase the Sunni population demographically, provide cover for former ISIS terrorists by giving them new identities, and use the newly naturalized citizens as votes for Sunni political parties. The posts reference a statement from the Ministry of Interior about taking action against officials involved in the scheme in Al-Qaim district.

5. Outcry Over Mosul Businessman’s Donation to Jordan

A story drawing significant public criticism involves an Iraqi businessman from Mosul, identified as part of the Nizar al-Naqib family, who donated a large sum to build a cancer hospital for children in Jordan. Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 31%) reported the donation amount as 14 billion Iraqi dinars and questioned why the money wasn’t used to build a hospital for the children of Mosul. This sentiment was echoed by Haider (Post Impact: 23%), who noted that the King of Jordan honored the family for the $10 million donation “coinciding with Mosul’s need for such contributions.” Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 11%) also criticized the decision, stating that thousands of Iraqis are displaced and sick while the wealthy do not seem to want good for their own people.

6. Minister of Education Allows Second-Round Exams

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, announced a decision affecting university students. In a post on his official account, Naeem Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 27%) stated that “out of concern for the future of our students,” his ministry has decided to allow those who could not take their first-round exams for the 2024/2025 academic year to sit for the second-round exams. The announcement was framed as a supportive measure for students and was also shared by other accounts, such as Mahmoud Al-Rubaie (Post Impact: 8%), who quoted the minister’s statement.

7. Reports of Accelerated US Military Withdrawal

Alongside discussions of US pressure on the PMF, separate reports claim the US is speeding up its complete military withdrawal from Iraq ahead of schedule. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 17%) stated that American forces have already begun withdrawing from the Ain al-Asad and Victoria bases. Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 8%), citing Sky News, also reported that the US informed Iraq it would not adhere to the agreed-upon timeline and would accelerate the process. Dr. Zaid Abdulwahab Al-Adhami (Post Impact: 9%) added that the forces would be moved to Erbil and a neighboring Arab country. This sudden move is fueling speculation about US intentions and the future security of Iraq.

8. Condolences for Allama Dr. Muhammad Ali Bahr al-Uloum

The passing of Allama Dr. Muhammad Ali Bahr al-Uloum, a prominent religious scholar and Secretary-General of the Bahr Al-Uloom Charitable Foundation, prompted condolences from notable figures. The Minister of Higher Education, Naeem Al-Aboudi (Post Impact: 18%), offered his sympathies to the family and the foundation. The President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani (Post Impact: 6%), also posted a message of condolence, praising the late scholar for dedicating his life to “science and spreading the values of moderation and tolerance.” Additionally, Dr. Hussein Al-Safi (Post Impact: 6%) shared news that senior religious figures, including representatives of Grand Ayatollah Sistani and Grand Ayatollah Ishaq al-Fayyad, also paid their respects.

9. Espionage Allegations Surface Against Salam Adel

Serious allegations of espionage were made against an individual named Salam Adel. Emad Bajalan (Post Impact: 18%) called him a “spy and a pawn” who attacks the religious authority (Marja’iyya). More specifically, Hiba Al-Nnayib (Post Impact: 6%) shared what she claimed was a leaked secret intelligence document from 2015 that “exposes Salam Adel Faleh,” alleging he “was providing Mossad with sensitive information about the movements of the army and security services through Lebanese and Libyan intermediaries.” The posts juxtapose these accusations with his current public image, as he reportedly wears a PMF uniform.

10. Urban Renewal in Sadr City Includes Souk Mureidi Removal

Accounts are discussing urban development in Baghdad’s Sadr City, focusing on the removal of the famous Souk Mureidi, one of the city’s best-known popular markets. According to Haider (Post Impact: 12%), the Baghdad Municipality stated that the market’s complete removal is part of a plan to expand roads, create public spaces, and reorganize markets to better serve the residents. The news is seen as part of a wider effort to redevelop the area, with Wasan Al-Sheikhli (Post Impact: 7%) posting images of a new public square in Sadr City and celebrating the development projects as a success for the state.