An analysis of 388 Facebook posts by Miqrab AI on December 17, 2024, reveals a diverse range of trending topics in Iraq. The most prominent conversations centered on the death of a major tribal leader, Sheikh Taklif Abd Ali Al-Dana, which elicited condolences from officials and public figures. Government activities were also a key focus, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s page detailing new cabinet decisions on infrastructure, public services, and support for professional unions. Concurrently, discussions around the high cost of housing, the ongoing electricity crisis, and the geopolitical implications of the new regime in Syria captured significant attention. Other notable themes included updates on major infrastructure projects, the activities of Muqtada al-Sadr, and a debate surrounding the future of armed factions in the country.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Death of Tribal Leader Sheikh Taklif Al-Dana Mourned

The passing of Sheikh Taklif Abd Ali Al-Dana, the sheikh of the Al-Jabour tribe, was widely reported and mourned. Aziz Nasser – Aziz Nasser (Post Impact: 37%) announced the news, offering condolences to his family and loved ones. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior (Post Impact: 9%) issued a formal statement of condolence, remembering the Sheikh’s significant role in promoting unity among Iraqis. Other pages, including Bab Al-Toob (Post Impact: 2%) and Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 2%), also shared the news, with the latter noting the Sheikh’s wish that no celebratory gunfire occur during his funeral. Politician Adnan Al-Zurfi (Post Impact: 1%) also extended his condolences.

2. PM’s Cabinet Approves Key Projects and Decisions

The official page of Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani (Post Impact: 11%) detailed the resolutions from the 51st Council of Ministers session. Key decisions included approving the “Eduba” project for building 600 schools, increasing funds for the Basra-Shalamcheh railway line, and allocating additional subsidized diesel fuel to private generator owners to ensure electricity supply. In a separate post, the Prime Minister’s page (Post Impact: 14%) outlined further approvals, such as recognizing the biometric registration of Kurdistan Region employees, supporting the Engineers Syndicate, and contracting the Ministry of Defense to establish a model air base in Qayyarah. The page of Steven Nabil (Post Impact: 2%) also highlighted the decision to build the Qayyarah air base.

3. Housing Crisis: High Prices and New Developments

The high cost of housing was a prominent topic, highlighted by a video from Haider Al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 29%). He questioned the affordability of new housing projects for the poor, asking, “Is there a poor person in Iraq who can afford to buy an apartment in the ‘Gateway of Iraq’ complex or own an investment house in the complexes of Karbala, Najaf, and Basra?” In contrast, pages focused on development showcased new large-scale projects. Baghdad Projects (Post Impact: 4%) provided an aerial view of the “Al-Ikhwa Residential City” in the Amiriya area, describing it as the largest vertical residential city in Iraq with over 200 towers and 20,000 units, noting that all units in the first phase sold out in 48 hours.

4. Syria’s Future and its Implications for Iraq

The recent regime change in Syria sparked considerable discussion among Iraqi commentators regarding its political and security implications for Iraq. MP Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 14%) commented on Syria’s economic relationships, suggesting Iraq should test the new regime’s dealings, stating, “Let’s see what Turkey will give them.” Dr. Hamid Abdullah (Post Impact: 3%) drew a parallel between Bashar al-Assad and the new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, arguing both were responsible for violence in Iraq. Yalla (Post Impact: 1%) shared a report from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed alleging that Maher al-Assad escaped through Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah with the help of a prominent Iraqi armed faction. Meanwhile, Qahtan Adnan (Post Impact: 3%) posted a clip with the title, “After Syria… Iraq is the next target.”

5. Sadr Directs Religious and Humanitarian Initiatives

Followers of Muqtada al-Sadr shared updates on his recent activities. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr (Post Impact: 12%) announced that al-Sadr invited seminary students to a luncheon at the hostelry of the Imam Ali Shrine to mark the birth of Fatima al-Zahra. The same page also reported on the continued humanitarian efforts of the Al-Sadr hostelry in Lebanon, which is distributing aid to displaced and affected Lebanese families under al-Sadr’s direct supervision, according to a post from the Private Office (Post Impact: 6%). Additionally, the media directorate of Saraya al-Salam (Post Impact: 4%) posted about meetings held by the movement’s military aide with commanders in Basra.

6. Progress on Major Bridge and Infrastructure Projects

Several pages shared updates on infrastructure projects across Iraq, focusing on the near completion of major overpasses. Iraq Projects (Post Impact: 10%) announced that the Al-Sadrain bridge in Muthanna, a project that began in 2013 and was halted in 2014, is just hours away from opening. In Baghdad, the Buratha bridge was highlighted by The Government Palace (Post Impact: 5%) and Future Projects of Iraq (Post Impact: 1%), both stating its opening is “very, very soon.” Another page, Al-Yarmouk Four Streets (Post Impact: 3%), reported that the opening of the Qahtan bridge is just days away.

7. Electricity Shortages Plague Iraq Amidst Cold Weather

As temperatures drop, complaints about severe electricity shortages have escalated across the country. In Mosul, the page Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 2%) reported a dire situation with “8 hours of outage for every 2 hours of supply.” Similar frustration was voiced by Anbar My Governorate (Post Impact: 1%), which stated that Ramadi has been without power for four days. The issue is partly attributed to Iran cutting off gas supplies, a point raised by Bel Iraqi (Post Impact: 1%), which reported the stoppage would continue for two more weeks. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity was quoted by Urgent News (Post Impact: 3%) as saying, “Man, we are in the middle of a crisis… we have five shutdowns and one operation.”

8. Debate Over Dismantling Armed Factions

A statement by Prime Minister’s advisor Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie sparked a significant conversation about the future of armed factions in Iraq. Multiple news pages, including Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 2%) and Al Hadath Iraq (Post Impact: 1%), quoted al-Sumaidaie as saying, “We were asked to dismantle the factions’ weapons, and if we do not comply, it will be imposed on us by force.” This suggests pressure from Western countries on the Iraqi government. The statement was also shared by Hussam Alhaj (Post Impact: 1%). In a related but contrasting view, Qahtan Adnan (Post Impact: 2%) posted a clip of Haider Masaj, who stated that “the factions’ weapons are not directed against society.”

9. Government Approves Land for Border Guard Forces

The Prime Minister’s approval to allocate residential land plots to fighters in the Border Guard Command was positively received. The page Maher Mohi::Voice of the Nation’s Protectors (Post Impact: 5%) celebrated the news, declaring, “By God, the heroes deserve it.” The news was also announced by Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 4%), which cited a statement from the Border Guard Command confirming the Prime Minister’s approval. The decision is seen as a supportive measure for the security personnel tasked with protecting the country’s borders.

10. Iraqis Note the Official Arrival of Winter

As the weather cools, several pages marked the imminent official start of the winter season. The news page Iraq 24 (Post Impact: 6%) and Mosul – MOSUL (Post Impact: 1%) both posted that Iraq is astronomically still in autumn, with only four days remaining until winter officially begins. On a related note, Diyala TV (Post Impact: 4%) mentioned that for the first time in 24 years, the month of Ramadan will occur during the winter. In response to the cold, the same page noted that the Ministry of Education has directed schools to halt morning assembly ceremonies due to the low temperatures.