Based on an analysis of 458 X / Twitter posts trending on January 22, 2025, Miqrab AI identified several key narratives dominating Iraqi social media. The most prominent theme is the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, sparking threats from Iraqi armed factions and widespread speculation about future American policy towards Iraq and Iran. Domestically, there is significant outrage and debate surrounding newly passed legislation, particularly the General Amnesty Law, which critics claim will release corrupt officials and terrorists, and the Personal Status Law, which is widely condemned for effectively legalizing child marriage. Concurrently, events in Syria, including reported attacks on Shiite communities and the controversial actions of Syrian leaders, are being closely watched, alongside ongoing discussions about Iran’s influence and domestic security operations against ISIS remnants.

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

1. Donald Trump’s Return Sparks Factional Threats

The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency dominated Iraqi social media, triggering defiant statements from armed factions and broad speculation about his regional policy. Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 40%) shared a video of Harakat al-Nujaba leader Akram al-Kaabi threatening Trump with “hell” and warning, “if they are slow to withdraw, we will have a position, and if they return, we will return.” Other commentators, such as Ezzat Alshabandar | Ezzat Alshabandar (Post Impact: 18%), sarcastically detailed Trump’s promises of global peace while planning to annex Canada, seize the Panama Canal, and tighten the noose on Iran. In a similar tone, مُلا عبود اٰلڪرخيۧ (Post Impact: 8%) mocked those demanding revenge for the killing of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, asking, “Where are the seekers of vengeance?” now that their killer is president again. Accounts like Omar Abd Al-Sattar Mahmud (Post Impact: 35%) and David Yassin (Post Impact: 21%) analyzed the potential geopolitical shifts, suggesting Trump’s first move would be against Iran.

2. Outrage Over Passage of General Amnesty Law

The Iraqi parliament’s passage of a General Amnesty Law has fueled widespread public anger, with many users claiming it is designed to protect corrupt officials and criminals. Rusly Al-Maliki 🇮🇶 رسلي المالكي (Post Impact: 19%) posted a detailed list of 74 categories of crimes covered by the law, including terrorism that did not result in death, corruption, and theft of state funds, warning that society will now be flooded with thousands who committed these crimes. Yasser Eljuboori – ياسر الجبوري (Post Impact: 17%) listed high-profile individuals expected to be covered, including Noor Zuhair (implicated in the “theft of the century”), former officials Haitham al-Jubouri, and Jamal al-Karbouli. ناجح عباس الميزان (Post Impact: 10%) argued the law would never have passed if not for the fear that Zuhair would expose senior politicians’ involvement in corruption. Following the law’s passage, حيدر (Post Impact: 15%) reported that Sunni politician Khamis al-Khanjar is now demanding the withdrawal of military forces from cities and the dissolution of the Accountability and Justice Commission.

3. Backlash Over Personal Status Law and Child Marriage

A new amendment to the Personal Status Law, reportedly permitting the marriage of nine-year-old girls, has caused a significant backlash both domestically and internationally. حيدر (Post Impact: 13%) shared a screenshot of a headline from British newspaper The Guardian that read, ““The end of women’s and children’s rights in Iraq””. Basil Hussein | باسل حسين (Post Impact: 27%) posted a video of a German tourist who described Iraq as “the country where you can marry a 9-year-old girl,” expressing shame over how the world now views Iraq. أ. د غالب الدعمي (Post Impact: 19%) directly criticized what he called the “Shiite authorities” for championing the law, questioning why they fought for legislation that does not improve citizens’ lives but brings international condemnation. Similarly, هـبـة النـائـب HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 22%) blamed the ideology of Khomeini for what she termed the violation of children’s bodies.

4. Syrian Conflict Developments and Regional Tensions

Events in Syria are being closely monitored in Iraq, with particular focus on sectarian violence and the actions of Syrian rebel leaders. عصام حسين (Post Impact: 100%) issued an urgent appeal regarding what he described as “terrorist attacks” on Shiites in Homs, Syria, claiming tanks and machine guns were targeting their homes, and called on Iraqi Shiites to intervene to rescue them. In a related story, عثمان المختار (Post Impact: 72%) expressed outrage that a Syrian “criminal” was welcomed in Fallujah, calling it a “disgrace to whoever received him, shook his hand, and sat with him.” Meanwhile, سفيان السامرائي (Post Impact: 24%) shared old footage of Syrian leader Al-Jolani threatening Alawites, arguing such figures cannot build a stable state, only a “swamp.” عمر الجنابي (Post Impact: 9%) commented on a photo of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair interviewing a Syrian official, noting how it “summarizes the magnitude of the change that has occurred in international politics recently.”

5. US Policy Focus on Dismantling Armed Factions

Iraqi social media users are discussing an apparent shift in US policy toward demanding the dissolution of armed factions in Iraq. _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 26%) accused Prime Minister Al-Sudani and pro-militia figures of lying by denying that the US administration had requested the disbandment of these groups. She cited American policy expert Dr. Aqil Abbas, who stated that “American orientations have begun to become clear towards Iraq with the need to end the armed factions.” This narrative is bolstered by a post from عدنان الطائي (Post Impact: 16%), who noted that the factions are refusing any talk of being “merged” into the official security forces, highlighting their resistance to state control.

6. Strained Relations and Mistrust of Iran

Posts on X reveal a deep-seated mistrust of Iran among some Iraqis, who question the Islamic Republic’s true intentions toward their country. أعياد الطوفان – Aayad Al Twfan (Post Impact: 35%) highlighted this sentiment by sharing an account from a former Iranian presidential advisor who claimed that a senior Iranian official refused to meet a PMF commander, stating, “there is still blood between us.” The user concluded that Iranian leaders view all Iraqis as enemies, regardless of sect. Adding to this, عمر عبد الستار محمود (Post Impact: 6%) claimed that over $300 million is being smuggled daily from Iraq to Iran and “jihadists.” In a separate post, Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 8%) quoted former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif boasting about Iran’s ability to mobilize masses in the streets of many countries, which was interpreted as a threat.

7. Security Forces Continue Operations Against ISIS

Several accounts highlighted ongoing counter-terrorism operations by Iraqi security forces against ISIS remnants, particularly in Anbar province. The account حيدر (Post Impact: 15%) posted an image showing that a joint force of the Iraqi Army and Tribal Hashd had killed three ISIS members deep in the Anbar desert. In another post, the same account shared a video of an Anbari tribal force (Post Impact: 15%) declaring they will continue to hunt ISIS militants wherever they are in Iraq. Separately, حيدر (Post Impact: 16%) also reported on security measures in the capital, noting that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were increasing their deployment in the Tarmiyah district north of Baghdad to secure the pilgrimage route for the commemoration of Imam Musa al-Kadhim’s martyrdom.

8. Kurdistan Region’s Diplomatic Engagements at WEF25

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s diplomatic activities at the World Economic Forum in Davos (WEF25) were a notable topic. The official account of Masrour Barzani (Post Impact: 13%) shared a video of his meeting with Iranian official Mohammad Javad Zarif, where they discussed bilateral relations and resolving disputes with Baghdad. Another post from his account detailed a meeting with Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II (Post Impact: 10%) to reaffirm the “enduring friendship” between their peoples. Barzani (Post Impact: 9%) also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the “importance of safeguarding the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights to ensure stability and progress.”

9. Criticism of Government and Political Elite

There is persistent criticism of the Iraqi government and the ruling political class, with users expressing frustration over corruption and failed leadership. أ. د غالب الدعمي (Post Impact: 19%) issued a stark warning to the “Shiite authorities,” cautioning that if the economy collapses due to their policies, the Iraqi people will rise up and there will be “no shelter for the oppressors.” Sheikh محمد البصري (Post Impact: 26%) declared that he will no longer defend any political figures claiming to be part of the “resistance,” asserting they have “betrayed the trust” and are unworthy of leadership. Similarly, Dr.Laith Shubbar الدكتور ليث شُبَر (Post Impact: 15%) stated that Iraq will only rise if it eliminates sectarian apportionment, corruption, and militias.

10. Debate on Baghdad’s Identity Amid Religious Pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim has sparked a debate over Baghdad’s cultural and religious identity. ابو مزيعل (Post Impact: 9%) celebrated the influx of 7 million pilgrims, arguing it proves Baghdad’s true identity is religious, as the “city of the Kadhims,” rather than secular or libertine. In contrast, هـبـة النـائـب HIBA Alnnayib (Post Impact: 14%) strongly condemned the public rituals, calling them “regressive and barbaric” and arguing they tarnish the image of Baghdad as a modern, civilized capital. Security for the event was also a topic, with حيدر (Post Impact: 16%) reporting that the Popular Mobilization Forces had increased their deployment in Tarmiyah to secure the pilgrimage route.