Based on Miqrab AI’s analysis of 508 X / Twitter posts trending in Iraq on March 3, 2025, the social media landscape was dominated by religious and political discourse ahead of Ramadan. The most significant engagement centered on directives from cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who announced charitable initiatives for the holy month. A widespread and polarizing debate erupted over a new television series depicting the historical figure Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, exposing deep-seated sectarian tensions between Shi’a and Sunni perspectives. Other prominent narratives included celebrations over the reported death of a Jabhat al-Nusra member in Syria, sharp criticism of the declining quality and perceived immorality of Iraqi television dramas, and discussions on regional security, particularly concerning statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a potential multi-front war involving Iraq.

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

1. Muqtada al-Sadr’s Ramadan Directives

The most impactful posts came from cleric Muqtada Al-Sayyid Muhammad Al-Sadr **(Post Impact: 100%)**, who issued statements ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. In a message widely shared by his followers, including Safaa Al-Asadi **(Post Impact: 2%)**, al-Sadr announced a charitable initiative to provide iftar meals to those in need. The statement reads: “I ask everyone who does not have iftar for himself or his family… to contact the numbers… so that the brothers can deliver his iftar to his home.” He clarified that his goal is not political or electoral gain but rather “God’s satisfaction and helping God’s loved ones in this blessed month.” In a second high-impact post **(Post Impact: 93%)**, he shared another image containing a religious message.

2. Sectarian Debate Erupts Over Muawiyah TV Series

A new television series about the historical figure Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan ignited a fierce sectarian debate online. Alawiya Umm Zainab **(Post Impact: 83%)** challenged Shi’a criticism of the show, questioning why the Prophet Muhammad would allow Muawiyah to be a scribe of the revelation if he was as they claimed. Conversely, accounts like Abu Darandash Al-Askari **(Post Impact: 28%)** posted derogatory comments, calling Muawiyah “filthy.” Issam Hussein **(Post Impact: 14%)** argued that those who follow Muawiyah are an extension of a “polytheistic family that seized power to abolish the teachings of Islam.” Beyond the religious controversy, commentators such as Asaad Al-Basri **(Post Impact: 5%)** and Omar Al-Janabi **(Post Impact: 4%)** criticized the series for its poor quality, labeling it as “silly,” “boring,” and a “very, very failed series” with bad writing and directing.

3. Celebrations Over Death of Jabhat al-Nusra Member

Multiple accounts reported and celebrated the death of Qasim Jammous, identified as a member of Jabhat al-Nusra and the creator of an anthem titled “We are coming for you, Karbala.” According to posts by Haidar **(Post Impact: 22%)** and Hassan Al-Kaabi **(Post Impact: 3%)**, Jammous was killed in a car accident near Damascus, with his remains allegedly collected in “garbage bags.” Users celebrated the news with messages such as, “Karbala remains lofty, and Qasim Jammous goes to the dustbin of history.” Wasan Al-Sheikhli **(Post Impact: 15%)** shared a picture of the wreckage with the caption “He perished.”

4. Criticism Mounts Over ‘Decline’ of Iraqi Drama

Users expressed strong disapproval of the current state of Iraqi television drama, particularly the series being released for Ramadan. Bahaa khaleel **(Post Impact: 30%)** lamented what he sees as a decline that began in the 1990s and worsened after 2003 with the removal of censorship, asking why “dancers and night girls” replaced professionally trained actresses. He described current dramas as a “cheap meat show” and likened their decline to the country’s situation, quoting a proverb: “Like camel’s urine, it goes backwards.” Similarly, Mulla Aboud Al-Karkhi **(Post Impact: 33%)** shared a screenshot from a Ramadan series with a critical comment on the scene.

5. Fears of Regional War Amid Netanyahu’s Threats

Several accounts circulated statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about preparing for a “7-front war” that could include Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and Yemen. Omar Abd Al-Sattar Mahmoud **(Post Impact: 7%)** and Mazen Al-Eshaiker **(Post Impact: 3%)** both posted Netanyahu’s declaration. Sufian Al-Samarrai **(Post Impact: 17%)** interpreted these developments as part of a “great war to come” with Russian and American backing, aimed at eliminating “all armed Islamism in the entire Middle East.”

6. Sheikh Hamid al-Hayes’s Religious Practice Questioned

The religious devotion of Anbar tribal leader Sheikh Hamid al-Hayes became a topic of discussion. The account Haidar **(Post Impact: 22%)** sarcastically noted that Sheikh al-Hayes “returns to prayer with the arrival of Ramadan after an 11-month break each year,” referencing a past statement where the Sheikh allegedly said, “It’s true I don’t pray, but I fast, help people, and have a good heart. What more does God want from me?” Another user, _. suhair Al_jumaili **(Post Impact: 2%)**, referenced a comment by al-Hayes stating he would rather go to hell than be in paradise with Mohammed al-Halbousi.

7. Debate Over Former PM Al-Kadhimi’s Return and Remarks

The return of former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Iraq sparked political speculation and debate. Rusly Al-Maliki **(Post Impact: 8%)** predicted, “Al-Sadr will take the lead, Al-Kadhimi for prime minister by settlement.” Attention was also drawn to Al-Kadhimi’s statement, shared by Shahou Al-Qaradaghi **(Post Impact: 4%)**, that he has “no point of disagreement with the armed factions, they are patriotic Iraqi youth.” This remark was defended by Issam Hussein **(Post Impact: 5%)**, who argued that Shi’a fighters have proven their patriotism. Political analyst Ibrahim AlSumaidaie **(Post Impact: 2%)** wrote a long post detailing his past opposition to and recent reconciliation with Al-Kadhimi.

8. The PMF’s Role, Actions, and Future Discussed

The role and structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were a subject of debate. Politician Adnan Alzurfi **(Post Impact: 11%)** called the idea of a “doctrinal Hashd that protects the political system” a “dangerous and wrong idea” that reflects a “fragile and sectarian state system.” Meanwhile, Hanan Abdullatif **(Post Impact: 4%)** accused PMF security of arresting a Dr. Hussein Rahman Al-Bawi and torturing him to death on “trumped-up charges.” In a separate post, Wasan Al-Sheikhli **(Post Impact: 6%)** ran a poll asking followers if they would support Abdul-Hussein Abtan as the head of the PMF.

9. Iranian Political Influence and Militias Criticized

Concerns about Iranian influence in Iraq were voiced by several users. Rafid Jaboori **(Post Impact: 7%)** noted that political changes in Iran, such as the ousting of its economy minister, suggest a “strategy of escalation” for which “Iraq is a major confrontation arena.” Hiba Alnnayib **(Post Impact: 7%)** criticized those who describe Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei as the “son of Zahra” or “Hussein of the era.” Raad Hashim **(Post Impact: 4%)** shared a video of a purported defector from the Quds Force claiming that “Iran’s militias plunder Iraq’s oil in secret” through money laundering and shell companies.

10. Nouri al-Maliki Warns of ‘Ba’ath’ Return

Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s recent statements about external threats were shared on the platform. Shahou Al-Qaradaghi **(Post Impact: 3%)** quoted Al-Maliki as saying, “There are external bets on the return of the ‘Ba’ath’ in Iraq,” dismissing it as a repetitive “intimidation and terror” tactic. In another clip shared by Hisham Ali **(Post Impact: 2%)**, Al-Maliki described the “New Middle East” as a project by Ariel Sharon aimed at dividing Iraq into three regions and Syria into four.