Based on an analysis of 453 Facebook posts trending on May 17, 2025, Miqrab AI identified that the primary focus of online conversation in Iraq was the Arab Summit held in Baghdad. The discourse was dominated by discussions about the successful organization of the event, the high-profile attendance and early departure of Qatar’s Emir, and the various political statements and initiatives announced during the proceedings. Significant side-narratives included messages to the Arab leaders from cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, a public debate over the Iraqi government’s financial aid pledges to Lebanon and Gaza, and praise for local humanitarian initiatives.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Praise for Qatar’s Emir Attending Baghdad Arab Summit

The participation of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in the Baghdad Arab Summit received significant positive attention. The page Set Ashwaq Om Al-Qanounia (Post Impact: 100%) praised him as a “classy and respectable person” who has stood by Iraq, noting his distinguished presence when other heads of state sent representatives. The page Iraqiin W Bas (Post Impact: 38%) shared a video of his “majestic motorcade” in central Baghdad. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s official page, The Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 12%), reported on a bilateral meeting where the Emir commended Iraq for its organization of the summit and its messages of partnership and stability.

2. Muqtada al-Sadr Addresses Arab Leaders from Baghdad

Influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr issued a statement directed at the Arab leaders attending the summit, which was widely circulated. His official page, The Private Office of Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 52%), published the message from his account on “X”. Other pages like Iraqiin W Bas (Post Impact: 6%) and Min Baghdad (Post Impact: 4%) reported on his message, highlighting his welcome to the delegations and his call for them to “be one row with your Iraq to rise with reform and independence,” while also warning against normalization and calling for unity. Hakem Al-Zamili (Post Impact: 5%) also shared the message directed at the “guests in beloved Baghdad”.

3. Iraq’s Hosting of Arab Summit Hailed as a Success

Multiple pages celebrated the successful hosting of the Arab Summit, framing it as a sign of Iraq’s return to stability and regional leadership. Al-Qasr Al-Hukoumi (Post Impact: 14%) officially declared that the summit had ended and “Iraq succeeded in organizing it brilliantly.” Set Ashwaq Om Al-Qanounia (Post Impact: 32%) attributed the ability to host the summit in a safe Baghdad to the sacrifices of heroes. The success of the logistics was also noted, with pages like Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 12%) reporting that the Minister of Electricity announced the success of the plan to secure power for the conference. The Interior Minister, via his official page Media Office of the Minister of Interior (Post Impact: 3%), also declared the success of the security plan for the event.

4. Sarcastic Video on US Employment Criticizes Iraqi Policy

A video shared by the page Ninawa (Post Impact: 59%) gained significant traction for its sarcastic commentary on what it portrays as misguided Iraqi priorities. The post includes a video with the caption, “We achieved the greatest benefit… we helped employ 2 million Americans for the sake of God.” This statement appears to be a critique of government policies or international agreements that are perceived as benefiting the United States at the expense of Iraq’s own population and economic needs. The high engagement on this single post indicates that its message of criticism resonated strongly with a large segment of the audience on Facebook.

5. Reports of Qatar’s Emir’s Early Departure from Summit

Following the praise for his attendance, several pages reported that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, left the Arab Summit in Baghdad before its conclusion and without delivering his scheduled speech. Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 21%) was one of the first to report the departure. The page Min Baghdad (Post Impact: 7%) also stated that the Emir had left before the end of the summit’s proceedings. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 3%) shared a video of the moment he left the hall, describing it as a “sudden” departure. The reason for his early exit was not specified in the posts, leading to speculation among users.

6. PM Al-Sudani’s Summit Speech and Development Initiatives

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s keynote address at the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit was a key topic, with his official page and government-aligned accounts detailing his proposals. The page The Engineer Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 12%) provided a comprehensive summary of his speech. Key initiatives included the “Arab Economic Reform Pact for the Next Decade,” promoting the “Development Road” project, and establishing several joint Arab centers in Baghdad for combating terrorism, drugs, and organized crime. Wahed Hukouma (Post Impact: 5%) also listed the main points of the speech. A significant announcement was the launch of an “Arab Solidarity Fund for the Reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon,” with Iraq pledging to be the first contributor.

7. Debate Over Iraqi Government’s Aid to Lebanon and Gaza

The announcement of Iraq’s financial contributions to Lebanon and Gaza during the summit generated a significant online debate. Diyala TV (Post Impact: 6%) reported a total donation of $40 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon. However, this sparked criticism from some quarters. The page Taraef Al-Alam bi-Uyoun Iraqiya (Post Impact: 6%) pointed out the irony of donating $20 million to Lebanon despite its president not attending the summit. MP Nedaa Hassan Madi (Post Impact: 4%) strongly criticized the government for donating millions while claiming a lack of funds for domestic priorities like employee salaries, contract worker appointments, and graduate hirings.

8. Humanitarian Initiatives for Vulnerable Groups Garner Support

Several humanitarian and social development projects received positive coverage. Journalist Ali Athab (Post Impact: 27%) shared a video showing that work is continuing day and night to establish the largest home for orphans and the elderly in Iraq. In a related story, pages like Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 13%) and Min Baghdad (Post Impact: 3%) reported that the Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, directed the allocation and rehabilitation of a piece of land in Baghdad to be used for building a home for the elderly, which would be presented to the humanitarian activist Hisham Al-Dhahabi.

9. Yemeni Leader Denounces Iran-Backed Militias at Summit

The speech by the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council at the Baghdad summit was highlighted for its strong stance against Iran-backed militias. The page Al-Khuwa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 22%) reported that the Yemeni leader stated the war started by these militias ten years ago remains a major challenge for Arab nations, threatening regional stability and development. Similarly, Khobar Ajel (Post Impact: 4%) noted that the Yemeni official emphasized that his people have been fighting the Houthis and their supporters for a decade and are looking for an Arab resolution to deter all militias in the region.

10. Security Alert Lifted in Baghdad Following Summit

Following the conclusion of the Arab Summit, it was announced that the high-level security alert in Baghdad would be lifted. Pages such as Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 7%) and Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 6%) both reported that the “State of Alert C” for security forces in the capital would be lifted on the following day, Sunday. This news signals a return to normalcy for the city’s residents after the heightened security measures implemented to protect the international delegations attending the high-profile event.