Based on Miqrab AI’s analysis of 497 X / Twitter posts trending on January 4, 2025, the key narratives in Iraq are dominated by regional politics, particularly the fallout from the new government in Syria. The most viral story centers on a video allegedly showing the new Syrian Minister of Justice, Shadi al-Waisi, participating in an execution in 2015, sparking widespread condemnation. Concurrently, there is significant discussion comparing the leadership of Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa (al-Jolani) with Iraqi officials, often to the detriment of the latter. Other major themes include commemorations for Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, alongside criticism of Iraqi government performance and heated historical-religious debates.

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

1. Syrian Justice Minister’s Past Surfaces in Viral Video

A video from 2015 allegedly showing Syria’s newly appointed Minister of Justice, Shadi al-Waisi, participating in the execution of a woman in Idlib has become the top trending story. Abbas Shamsuddin (Post Impact: 100%) shared the clip, noting al-Waisi’s involvement in the execution in the town of Maarat Misrin. Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 47%) posted another angle of the incident, stating, “I found a video from another angle showing the current Syrian Minister of Justice practicing ‘justice’ from his point of view when he was appointed a judge in Jabhat al-Nusra in 2015.” A separate post from Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 9%) reiterated that al-Waisi was a judge for Jabhat al-Nusra and participated in the execution of a woman accused of prostitution. The posts express shock and condemnation that an individual with this past is now a minister representing a state.

2. Commemorations and Praise for Qasem Soleimani

On the anniversary of his death, Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was a major topic of discussion, with several accounts posting messages of praise and remembrance. Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 79%) shared an image of Soleimani’s shoe with the caption, “Soleimani’s shoe is worth the heads of the pro-Zionist Arabs.” Similarly, Dr. Hussein Alsafi (Post Impact: 37%) described him as “Qasem is one of us, the people of Iraq,” and a “Shia leader who is difficult to replicate in this era.” These posts frame Soleimani as a heroic figure and a symbol of resistance, contrasting him with Arab leaders perceived as aligned with Western interests.

3. Criticism of Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (al-Jolani)

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as al-Jolani, was the subject of significant criticism. Salim Aljomaili (Post Impact: 39%) criticized him for refusing to shake the hand of the German Foreign Minister while wearing a tie, which he called a symbol of Western culture, suggesting a contradiction in his actions. Essam Hussein (Post Impact: 28%) compared al-Jolani to Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee, noting similarities in their speech patterns and hand gestures, and pointed out that while Adraee threatens enemies of Israel, al-Jolani threatens his own countrymen. In another post, _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 16%) quoted Ghalib al-Shabandar’s warning to Sunnis that “‘Abu Mohammad al-Jolani’ is more dangerous to them than the Shias.”

4. Debates on Historical and Religious Figures

Historical religious debates resurfaced with high engagement, particularly focusing on early Islamic history. Abbas Shamsuddin (Post Impact: 52%) shared a post referencing Muawiyah’s followers, who he described as being so obedient that they prayed the Friday prayer on a Wednesday, using the hashtag #events_that_happened_1400_years_ago_what_do_we_have_to_do_with_them. The post suggests that historical events continue to have relevance. Separately, accounts like Abu Drandesh Alaskree (Post Impact: 11%) shared a video criticizing the historical figure Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, calling him one of the “most despicable historical figures.”

5. Tributes and Discussion of Hassan Nasrallah’s Legacy

The late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was commemorated in several posts that highlighted his character and origins. Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 26%) shared a photo of Nasrallah, noting his roots, stating, “The martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah (may God be pleased with him) is of Iraqi, Arab, Hashemite, Husseini origins.” Another post by Hassan Alkaaebi (Post Impact: 18%) shared a photo with the caption, “The last look… the last glances… the last voice!” In a similar vein, Ahmad Abdulsada (Post Impact: 7%) shared a poem by Jawad Al-Hamrani in his eulogy. These posts collectively paint a picture of respect and mourning for the late leader.

6. Syrian Leadership Praised Over Iraqi Government

A prominent narrative emerged comparing the decisiveness of Syria’s new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa with the Iraqi government, particularly Prime Minister al-Sudani. Najeh Abbas Almezan (Post Impact: 27%) claimed, “#Ahmed_Alsharaa, with the stroke of a pen and within a week, dissolved the factions and confined weapons to the state, while al-Sudani went to Tehran to kiss the shoe of the cripple, hoping for a symbolic order to dissolve his militias.” He concluded with the statement, “In Baghdad, chickens rule, and in Damascus, hawks.” This sentiment of frustration with the Iraqi political establishment was also echoed by Iyad al-Anbar (Post Impact: 12%), who criticized Prime Minister al-Sudani for dismissing talk of regime change as “delusions and wishes” instead of addressing pressing issues like delayed pensions and poor electricity service.

7. Raids on Iraqi Officials’ Properties in Damascus

A detailed report of Syrian security forces searching properties belonging to prominent Iraqi political figures in Damascus circulated on the platform. Othman Al-Mukhtar (Post Impact: 18%) provided an extensive list of locations, including a house managed by Bafel Talabani, three apartments belonging to Nouri al-Maliki, a guesthouse for Esmail Qaani, and apartments for Qais Khazali and Mashaan al-Jubouri. The post also mentioned raids on travel and money transfer companies linked to influential Iraqis, suggesting a significant shift in the security landscape for these figures in post-Assad Syria.

8. Criticism of Official’s Comments on Delayed Salaries

Jassim Al-Attiyah, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Migration, faced backlash for his televised comments about delaying employee salaries. Raad Hashim (Post Impact: 14%) shared the clip where Al-Attiyah states, “As a citizen, I am for delaying salaries for citizens for 10 or 15 days… to help the government.” The post asked followers if they found his words provocative. _. suhair Al_jumaili (Post Impact: 6%) also shared the video, responding with outrage and accusing the official of wanting to steal citizens’ rights.

9. Debates on the Future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)

The future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Hashd al-Shaabi, was a topic of intense debate, with some predicting its imminent dissolution. Sheikh Thaer Al-Bayati (Post Impact: 12%) wrote a lengthy post addressed to the “herds of the Popular Mobilization,” claiming a decision has been made to eliminate them and that their leaders are covering it up. He suggested that Iran and its allied leaders would sacrifice the rank-and-file members. In direct contrast, Shaho Al-Qaradaghi (Post Impact: 5%) quoted the commander of the 43rd Brigade of the PMF, who asserted, “The Popular Mobilization will remain steadfast, and attempts to dissolve it are just delusions that will never come true.”

10. Regional Tensions Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over the new government in Syria were highlighted by users. Haidar (Post Impact: 14%) reported on a “Saudi-Egyptian clash” after Egypt took measures against “al-Jolani’s gangs” to protect its national security. He quoted a prominent Saudi activist as saying, “Egypt must be in a spiral of problems and disasters… we prevent its fall to avoid chaos, and at the same time, we prevent its rise to avoid its danger.” In a follow-up post, Haidar (Post Impact: 13%) expressed support for Egypt, calling it the “beating heart of the nation and its strong shield.”