Based on an analysis of 395 Facebook posts trending on May 23, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online discourse in Iraq. The most engaging story was the sudden announcement by journalist Haider al-Hamdani that he is ending his popular anti-corruption program, “The Mission.” Significant political debate was sparked by a government decision to ban the “Salafi Madkhali Movement,” which critics alleged was politically motivated. Another major topic was a tragic incident at a military college where a student died, prompting an outcry from the family and a response from the Minister of Defense. Other conversations focused on regional developments, such as the temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Syria, alongside domestic issues including severe weather events, power outages, praise for government infrastructure projects, and social posts related to the Hajj pilgrimage.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Haider al-Hamdani Ends Anti-Corruption Program “The Mission”

Journalist Haider al-Hamdani announced the discontinuation of his widely followed program, “The Mission,” which was known for confronting corruption. In a video post, Haider al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 100%) stated that after years of مواجهة مع الفاسدين” (confrontation with the corrupt),” he was stopping the program and asked for forgiveness from everyone. The announcement, which carried the highest engagement rate of all analyzed posts, marks the end of a significant media platform that focused on exposing corruption in the country.

2. Controversy Over Ban on Salafi Madkhali Movement

A major political and religious debate erupted following a decision by the National Security Advisory to ban the “Salafi Madkhali Movement.” MP Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 57%) claimed the decision was canceled by Prime Minister Al-Sudani to protect his ally, Khamis al-Khanjar. In response, Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani (Post Impact: 4%) issued a statement questioning the ban, noting the group does not oppose the government, and announced the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the matter. Analyst Dr. Yahya Al-Kubaisi (Post Impact: 4%) described the move as “the state interfering in عقائد (doctrines) for political goals,” suggesting it was intended to sideline the Madkhalis in favor of another religious group supported by pro-Iran factions.

3. Military College Incident: Student Dies, Minister Responds

A tragic incident at a military college where at least one student died has drawn significant public attention and an official response. The page Khabar Ajel (Post Impact: 28%) shared a video of the brother of the deceased student, Hussein Essam, screaming “We want his execution” before the Minister of Defense at a mourning council. Following the incident, which also left other students hospitalized, the Minister of Defense visited the injured, as shown by Da’am Al-Quwat Al-Amniya Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 22%) and Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 14%). In response to the deaths, the Markaz Al-I’lam Al-Iraqi (Post Impact: 5%) reported that the Ministry of Defense adjusted training schedules to avoid peak heat hours.

4. Soldier Drowns in Kirkuk While Heroically Saving His Son

Multiple pages shared the tragic story of an Iraqi soldier who died while saving his son from drowning in Kirkuk. Atilla Al-Aga (Post Impact: 37%), citing Al-Sharqiya News, reported that the soldier drowned in the Dibs district after rescuing his son. The page Akhir Al-Ahdath Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 10%) identified the soldier as Mohammed Ramadan Alawi, praising his heroic sacrifice. Al-Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 8%) added that the soldier belonged to the 16th Division of the Iraqi Army.

5. U.S. Temporarily Eases Sanctions on Syria

News of the United States easing some sanctions on Syria circulated widely. Al-Khawa Al-Nathifa (Post Impact: 31%) reported that the U.S. Treasury issued a 180-day temporary exemption under the Caesar Act, allowing for investments, financial services, and oil dealings with the new government. The license explicitly prohibits any transactions that benefit Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Complementing this, Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 16%) reported that Syrians were celebrating the lifting of sanctions on numerous entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Airlines, and the Four Seasons Hotel.

6. Severe Weather, Fires, and Power Outages Hit Iraq

Several regions in Iraq, particularly in the north, experienced severe weather, leading to fires and power disruptions. Baghdad (Post Impact: 14%) reported a massive fire that destroyed approximately 120 dunams of agricultural land near Erbil, with strong winds exacerbating the situation. Meanwhile, Diyala TV (Post Impact: 8%) shared news of a strong dust storm hitting Erbil. The adverse weather conditions also caused infrastructure failures, with Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 4%) reporting that a dust storm knocked down two high-voltage towers, disrupting a key power line. Subsequently, Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 4%) announced a complete blackout of the national power grid in Nineveh province.

7. Iraqi Pilgrim’s Emergency Medical Rescue in Saudi Arabia

A positive story about the care provided to Iraqi pilgrims in Saudi Arabia gained traction. Tara’if Al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya (Post Impact: 11%) reported that an Iraqi pilgrim suffered a health emergency on a highway, and Saudi authorities immediately dispatched a helicopter with a medical team to transport him to a hospital in Medina. Similarly, Da’am Al-Quwat Al-Amniya Al-Iraqiya (Post Impact: 10%) shared a video of the Saudi aircraft landing on the road to evacuate the pilgrim, wishing him a safe recovery.

8. Public Figures and Citizens Mark Departure for Hajj

As the Hajj season approaches, several Iraqis shared posts related to the pilgrimage. Public figure Haider Khalaf Ghazi (Post Impact: 38%) announced he was heading to the holy sites to perform Hajj, asking his followers for forgiveness and promising to pray for them. On a more personal note, the page Baghdad (Post Impact: 9%) shared a touching video of a soldier who, due to his duties, was late to bid farewell to his father leaving for Hajj and instead waited for him on the road for a final goodbye.

9. Praise for Government Infrastructure and Development Projects

A number of pages highlighted ongoing and new government-led development projects across Iraq. Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 12%) praised Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s directive for all state departments to switch to solar energy, which is expected to save 30% of total electricity production. Masharee’ Baghdad – Baghdad Projects (Post Impact: 11%) showcased the new Bdoor Baghdad residential city, describing it as a model city with integrated services. Other posts from pages like Masharee’ Al-Iraq – Iraq Projects (Post Impact: 6%) showed progress on infrastructure like the paving of Al-Tala’i bridge in Baghdad.

10. Criticisms of Security Sector Management and Citizen Treatment

The page Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan voiced criticisms regarding the treatment of security personnel and citizens. In one video, Colonel Othman Al-Shaibani lamented the lack of benefits for security forces, stating, “Security forces retire and you don’t even have a piece of land” (Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 28%)). Another post from the same page criticized the demeanor of personnel at checkpoints, suggesting that officers should say “please proceed” instead of just waving people through, to improve public-police relations (Maher Mouhi::Sawt Humat Al-Watan (Post Impact: 17%)).