Based on an analysis of 534 X / Twitter posts trending on August 17, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discussions in Iraq. The most prominent story revolves around Kuwait’s decision to revoke the citizenship of hundreds of individuals, including prominent tribal figures with ties to the Saudi royal family, sparking widespread commentary. Another major topic is the deeply divisive and emotional case of Dr. Ban Ziyad’s death, which has ignited a public firestorm and a bitter feud between political figures like MP Mustafa Sanad and former MP Faig al-Sheikh Ali. Discussions also centered on the strategic implications of the announced redeployment of US forces within Iraq, with varied interpretations of it being a victory for pro-Iran factions or a move that leaves Iraq vulnerable to regional conflict. Furthermore, the anticipated return of the satirical program “Albasheer Show” has generated significant buzz, with the show’s accounts actively targeting MP Mustafa Sanad.

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

1. Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Prominent Figures

X / Twitter accounts reported on the Kuwaiti authorities’ decision to revoke the citizenship of hundreds of individuals. ZaidBenjamin (Post Impact: 100%) highlighted the stripping of citizenship from two sheikhs of the Al-Ajman tribe, Hizam Dhidan Khalid bin Hithlain and Dhidan Khalid Mohammed bin Hithlain, noting they are relatives of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In another post, ZaidBenjamin (Post Impact: 17%) mentioned that the 365 individuals affected include former international football referee Saad Kamil, who officiated in the 2002 World Cup. Hydikm (Post Impact: 18%) sarcastically commented that Kuwait is revoking citizenships to preserve the “Kuwaiti Aryan race” from extinction.

2. Public Outcry Over the Death of Dr. Ban Ziyad

The death of Dr. Ban Ziyad has become a major public issue, with numerous accounts expressing grief and demanding justice. Ali al-Khalidi (Post Impact: 32%) stated her case has transformed from a personal tragedy into a “wound of a nation” and a voice for the oppressed. He also questioned the delay in the medical report, asking if it was being transferred to Baghdad for review in a separate post (Post Impact: 23%). Noor Somer (Post Impact: 16%) made a direct accusation, claiming, “#Ban_Ziyad was killed by the security of the Popular Mobilization Forces,” alleging a conspiracy to frame it as a suicide. Similarly, Noor – Um Omar (Post Impact: 10%) shared a video of an officer allegedly confirming that Asaad Al-Eidani was involved because Dr. Ban was on a committee assessing the mental state of his killer relative. These posts reflect a widespread belief that she was murdered and a deep distrust in the official investigation.

3. Heated Political Feud Between Sanad and al-Sheikh Ali

A fierce war of words erupted between MP Mustafa Sanad and former MP Faig al-Sheikh Ali. In a direct and insulting post, Faig al-Sheikh Ali/My Word for History (Post Impact: 38%) attacked Sanad with extremely harsh language, claiming his previous silence was not out of respect but because he viewed Sanad as insignificant. This appeared to be a response to legal action, as Hydikm (Post Impact: 22%) reported that MP Mustafa Sanad announced he had filed a lawsuit against “Faig Da’boul Abdullah Al-Marandi” (a derogatory reference to Faig al-Sheikh Ali) and vowed to cut off the salary he claims al-Sheikh Ali receives from Iraq. This public feud highlights deep-seated political and personal animosity.

4. Albasheer Show Teases Return and Targets Mustafa Sanad

The popular satirical program “Albasheer Show” is building anticipation for its return by heavily targeting MP Mustafa Sanad. The show’s host, Ahmed Albasheer (Post Impact: 56%), posted a simple question, “Ready?”. The official account, Jumhuriat Albasheer (Post Impact: 26%), announced the show is “coming back soon” and encouraged followers to subscribe. The account also declared a “#Mustafa_Night,” posting multiple archival clips mocking the MP, referring to him as “Mustafa al-Halj” and questioning his intelligence in posts here (Post Impact: 24%) and here (Post Impact: 21%). This campaign suggests Sanad will be a central focus of the show’s upcoming season.

5. US Forces to Redeploy from Baghdad to Erbil

Multiple accounts discussed the planned withdrawal of US forces from bases in Baghdad and Anbar and their redeployment to Erbil. Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 11%), citing a government source, stated the withdrawal from Baghdad towards Erbil will begin in September. Mustafa Al-DULAIMI (Post Impact: 17%) interpreted this as a sign of high trust in the Kurdistan Regional Government and a repositioning for safety ahead of a potential “military action soon.” Conversely, Rafid Jaboori (Post Impact: 14%) argued the key point is the US exit from the Joint Operations Command, which was a primary demand of Iran and its allies, effectively ending the US-Iraq military partnership. Hydikm (Post Impact: 10%) confirmed that the Iraqi government acknowledged the news of the withdrawal.

6. Warnings of an Impending US/Israel Conflict with Iran

Several analysts on X / Twitter warned of an approaching large-scale military confrontation between an Israeli-American coalition and Iran, with Iraq potentially caught in the crossfire. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 18%) described the US troop withdrawal as the start of a “punishment plan for Iraq,” suggesting it is a prelude to a war where Washington will not defend Baghdad from Israeli strikes. He added that Iran’s proxies, including the government and PMF, will be held responsible for any future attacks on Iraq. Similarly, Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 17%) urged followers to “Get ready for the great confrontation,” citing Israeli officials’ statements and a supposed agreement between Trump and Putin for the latter not to support Iran.

7. MP Sanad’s Controversial Role in Dr. Ban’s Case

MP Mustafa Sanad is at the center of a storm for his involvement in the case of Dr. Ban Ziyad, particularly his assertion that her death was a suicide. Hydikm (Post Impact: 17%) reported that Sanad pledged to apologize and resign from parliament if investigations prove Dr. Ban was murdered. In his defense, Issam Hussein (Post Impact: 14%) found the attacks on Sanad “strange,” arguing that he simply confirmed the family’s innocence and that the media campaign against him, led by Ahmed Albasheer, reveals manipulation of the case. Conversely, Mahdi Majeed (Post Impact: 9%) directly accused Sanad of defaming a fellow Basra native by claiming she committed suicide over a romantic relationship when, according to Majeed, Sanad knows she was killed.

8. Defense of Lawyer Mohammed Jumaa Amidst “Vicious Campaign”

Accounts came to the defense of lawyer Mohammed Jumaa, who is reportedly facing a harsh backlash for his activism. Ahmed Alziady (Post Impact: 18%) asked what crime the man committed to be attacked so fiercely, stating that all he did was defend the oppressed and call for the application of the law without insulting anyone. He suggested the “rabid campaigns” reveal the strength of Jumaa’s positions rather than any weakness. Likewise, Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 7%) contrasted Jumaa with others, stating that if he were to “slander, insult and curse everyone,” he would be turned into a “hero and a sacred symbol,” but because he is not like them, he is demonized.

9. Push for PMF Service and Retirement Law in Parliament

There is a concerted effort by pro-PMF (Hashd al-Shaabi) figures to pass a new service and retirement law for the organization. Omar Abd Al Sattar Mahmoud (Post Impact: 8%) quoted Hadi al-Amiri as saying, “We will enter parliament in Hashd uniform in loyalty to the martyrs and the wise Marja’iyya.” Wasan Al-Sheikhli (Post Impact: 4%) also shared this statement. Yasser Eljuboori (Post Impact: 6%) reported that 90 MPs have so far signed a form to mobilize for the vote, noting they need 165 votes to pass the law. This indicates a significant political mobilization to formalize benefits and status for PMF members.

10. Karbala Clean-up Praised After Arbaeen Pilgrimage

Social media users highlighted the successful clean-up of Karbala following the massive Arbaeen pilgrimage. Hydikm (Post Impact: 9%) shared photos of the city’s clean streets, crediting “distinguished municipal and voluntary efforts” after the city hosted over 21 million visitors. Hassan Al-Kaabi (Post Impact: 5%) also posted a picture of the holy city, describing it as the “Qibla of the free.” The posts celebrate the organizational success and civic pride demonstrated after one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.