Based on an analysis of 449 Facebook posts trending on April 22, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating online conversations in Iraq. The most prominent stories included the Ministry of Defense unveiling new military identification badges after two decades, sparking both praise and further requests from personnel. Public health and corruption were also major themes, fueled by an MP’s explosive claim about the sale of carcinogenic tea, which the Ministry of Trade later denied. Other significant topics included reports of a beggar found with a vast sum of money in Basra, widespread discussions on both local and international football, and political tensions surrounding the Khor Abdullah maritime dispute with Kuwait.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Iraqi Army Unveils New Military Badges After 20 Years

The Ministry of Defense has changed the official military badges for soldiers, officers, and employees for the first time in 20 years. Pages like Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 43%) and Maher Mouhi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 29%) reported that the new badge for Minister of Defense Thabet Al-Abbasi was issued with the number (1). The move was framed as the fulfillment of a promise made by the minister. On a related note, the Maher Mouhi page (Post Impact: 28%) also shared an appeal from Ministry of Defense personnel, asking the minister to include the phrase “permitted to carry a weapon” on the new badges for their protection while commuting. Other pages like Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 7%) also celebrated the long-awaited update.

2. MP Alleges Sale of Carcinogenic Tea by Ministry of Trade

A major controversy erupted after MP Amir Al-Ma’mouri claimed that 6,000 tons of “carcinogenic and spoiled” tea, which has been in Ministry of Trade warehouses since 2009, would be sold to citizens at a public auction. The allegation was widely shared by the page Mohammad Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 100%), generating significant public concern. However, a counter-narrative emerged from the page Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 7%), which reported that the Ministry of Trade officially denied the accusations, stating it does not sell spoiled or carcinogenic tea in local markets.

3. Beggar in Basra Found with Hundreds of Millions of Dinars

Reports circulated widely about the arrest of a beggar in Saad Square, Basra, who was found to be in possession of a massive amount of cash. The Iraqi News Center (Post Impact: 84%) page stated that the individual was caught with 550 million Iraqi dinars. Another page, Shojaa Faris (Post Impact: 8%), covered the same incident but reported a figure of 200 million dinars. The Faris page commented on the situation, stating, “Unfortunately, it has become mafias and a business, not a matter of real need.”

4. Barcelona Wins, Extends Lead in La Liga

Iraqi football fans celebrated FC Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Real Mallorca in the 33rd round of the Spanish league. The page Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 53%) reported that “Barcelona is flying at the top of the Spanish league” with this win. Similarly, Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 15%) noted that the victory solidifies Barcelona’s lead, putting them seven points ahead of rival Real Madrid. The win was also celebrated by pages like Mohammad Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 21%).

5. Fans Storm Pitch During Nawroz vs. Zakho Football Match

A chaotic scene unfolded during an Iraq Stars League match between Nawroz and Zakho clubs when fans invaded the pitch, causing the game to be disrupted. Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 70%) described the incident as turning the field into a “wrestling ring” and called it a “shocking… football setback” that was broadcast live. The page Baghdad (Post Impact: 8%) called it a “regrettable scene.” Meanwhile, Ahmed Althawaq (Post Impact: 10%) commented on the reaction, suggesting that similar events in Nasiriyah receive disproportionately more criticism.

6. Iraqi Air Force Celebrates 94th Anniversary

Facebook pages celebrated the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Iraqi Air Force with posts expressing national pride. Military spokesman Yehia Rasool (Post Impact: 35%) commemorated the occasion by praising the pilots as “falcons who do not sleep.” Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani attended a military exercise for the anniversary, as covered by his official page (Post Impact: 11%). The page Iraqeen W Bas (Post Impact: 19%) quoted the Prime Minister’s speech, in which he stated, “Our pilots today fly aircraft that many armies in the world do not possess.”

7. Al-Zawraa Tops League After Defeating Al-Shorta

In a major match in the Iraq Stars League, Al-Zawraa SC secured a 1-0 victory against their rivals Al-Shorta SC. This win propelled Al-Zawraa to the top of the league standings, as reported by Al-Khawa Al-Nadhifa (Post Impact: 47%). The page Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 6%) highlighted the performance of player Murad Mohammed, who is from Qayyarah, for leading his team to victory. The result was also met with congratulations from pages like Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 10%).

8. Court Postpones Khor Abdullah Case Amid Political Scrutiny

The Federal Supreme Court postponed its hearing on the Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait until April 30. The case involves appeals from the offices of the Prime Minister and the President against the court’s prior ruling that deemed the ratification of the agreement unconstitutional. MP Dr. Haider Al-Salami (Post Impact: 27%) raised concerns about the timing, noting that the postponement coincided with an official visit by Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council President, Faiq Zidan, to Kuwait. The page No problem with Dr. Qusay Shafiq (Post Impact: 28%) alleged that there is “daily Kuwaiti pressure” and “dangerous political pressure to return the Iraqi waterway to Kuwait by all possible means.”

9. Actor Alexander Uloom’s Photos With Daughter Go Viral

Heartwarming photos of Iraqi actor Alexander Uloom with his young daughter, Alia, circulated on social media. Pages like Klecha (Post Impact: 23%) and Girls’ Hair (Post Impact: 18%) shared images of the two hugging at a playground in Istanbul. The posts included a touching quote attributed to the actor: “When you hug me, everything else disappears, you take away all my pain and only love remains.” The content was widely praised by users for its affectionate nature.

10. PM Sudani Vows to Prioritize Iraq’s Interests

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s statements about his government’s guiding principles were shared across multiple platforms. His official page (Post Impact: 14%) posted a video in which he stated, “Our vision… puts the supreme interest of Iraq first and foremost, far from emotions or biased emotional positions.” The Government Palace page (Post Impact: 18%) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to prioritizing Iraq’s welfare above other considerations, regardless of the cost or sacrifices required.