Based on an analysis of 471 Facebook posts trending on February 8, 2026, by Miqrab AI, the primary narrative in Iraq revolves around widespread economic discontent and political evaluation. The most dominant theme is public anger over rising prices and new customs tariffs, which has led to large-scale protests and strikes by traders across the country. This economic frustration is directly linked to a second major theme: a debate over the performance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani and whether he should be granted a second term, with pages questioning if his government is in touch with the suffering of ordinary citizens. Alongside these public discussions, official government pages highlighted ongoing service projects and high-level political meetings aimed at addressing the economic situation and ensuring stability. Other significant topics included the spread of rumors, such as a debunked 500% tax on baby formula, and security concerns related to the transfer of ISIS prisoners from Syria.

Today’s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:

1. Debate Over a Second Term for PM Al Sudani

A significant debate is unfolding on Facebook regarding a potential second term for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. The page Haider al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 100%) launched a poll asking followers if they support renewing Al Sudani’s mandate “to improve the economic situation in Iraq.” In contrast, MP Mustafa Sanad (Post Impact: 41%) criticized the Prime Minister’s handling of rising prices, sarcastically recounting a supposed promise from Al Sudani to punish anyone who raises prices, only to see it fail. On the other hand, a supporting view was shared by Haider Khalaf Ghazi (Post Impact: 14%), who posted a video with the hashtag “#let_him_complete,” indicating support for the Prime Minister’s continuation in office.

2. Protests and Strikes Erupt Over New Customs Tariffs

Widespread anger and protests have emerged in response to rising prices and new customs tariffs imposed by the government. Haider al-Hamdani (Post Impact: 83%) questioned whether officials and their families feel the same economic pressure as ordinary citizens. Pages like Mohammed Nasser Khalif (Post Impact: 18%) and Ahmed Al-Washah (Post Impact: 9%) shared videos of mass demonstrations by traders in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square under the banner “#No_to_the_new_customs_tariff.” The impact of these tariffs extends beyond traders, as highlighted by Ali Athab (Post Impact: 10%), who noted that “not only traders are affected, but also families and workers.” The protests led to a general strike, with pages like From Baghdad (Post Impact: 4%) and Mohammed Al-Khuzaie (Post Impact: 3%) reporting a complete shutdown of markets in a historic first for the country.

3. Rumors of 500% Tax on Baby Formula Go Viral, Prompting Denial

A rumor about a 500% tax on baby formula spread rapidly, causing alarm among citizens. The page Set Ashwaq um al-Qanounia (Post Impact: 27%) sarcastically commented on the alleged tax, suggesting it would be more economical for families to buy a water buffalo. This claim prompted an official response, with Al-Qasr al-Hukoumi (The Government Palace) (Post Impact: 8%) publishing a statement from the customs authority explicitly denying the imposition of any new 500% tax or fee on baby formula. The fact-checking page Tech 4 Peace (Post Impact: 1%) also labeled the news as “fake.”

4. PM Al Sudani Chairs Service Team Meeting Amidst Economic Crisis

Amid the economic turmoil, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani’s official page focused on governmental duties. The page Engineer Mohamed Shia Alsudani (Post Impact: 26%) reported that the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Service and Engineering Effort Team to review project completion rates for 2025 and discuss plans for 2026. The post stated that the team has provided services to approximately 5 million citizens and directed them to complete ongoing projects while adapting to the 2026 financial situation. This focus on service delivery was echoed in a statement from the Iraqi PM Media Office (Post Impact: 5%) about the State Administration Coalition meeting, which emphasized support for the government’s economic reforms and efforts to control border crossings and stop smuggling.

5. Tensions Rise Over Iran’s Influence and Land Disputes

A contentious debate regarding Iranian influence in Iraq surfaced on social media. A video shared by Salfa wa Nos (A Story and a Half) (Post Impact: 17%) shows Abu Habib Al-Safi attacking Sheikh Dhurgham Al-Maliki for claiming that Iranians seized his land. Al-Safi defended Iran, asserting that its presence was based on an agreement with the Iraqi side and not an act of aggression. This issue prompted strong reactions from other pages, such as Rusly Al-Maliki (Post Impact: 7%), who posted a video condemning what he described as “fawning over Iran,” expressing frustration with the perceived subservience.

6. Protests Dismissed by Some as Politically Motivated

While many pages supported the traders’ protests, a counter-narrative emerged suggesting the demonstrations were politically driven. The page Khabar Ajel (Breaking News) (Post Impact: 10%) quoted former Deputy Prime Minister Bahaa al-Araji, who questioned the large number of protesters by asking, “Do we really have this many traders in the country?” He suggested the protest “could be driven by certain parties.” A similar sentiment in favor of the government’s tax policies was shared by Dr. Ali Al-Qaisi (Post Impact: 6%), who quoted politician Amtar al-Mayahi stating that “taxes are imposed to control excessive consumption by citizens,” and that the government should apply them firmly.

7. Authorities Crack Down on Illegally Imported Goods

Amid the controversy over customs tariffs, several pages highlighted efforts by authorities to control the flow of imported goods and protect local products. Al-Khawa al-Nadhifa (The Clean Brotherhood) (Post Impact: 7%) reported that the Head of the Border Ports Authority had banned the entry of imported goods through the Bawa Mahmoud crossing near the Kurdistan Region, stating it is designated for local products only. Reinforcing this, Maher Mouhi:: Voice of the Homeland’s Protectors (Post Impact: 12%) shared a video demanding accountability for those allowing foreign products into the country. The page Support for Iraqi Security Forces (Post Impact: 2%) featured a clip of General Omar al-Waeli taking immediate action against German goods that were fraudulently registered as local products.

8. Transfer of ISIS Prisoners from Syria to Iraq Draws Attention

A significant security development covered by several pages was the transfer of ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq. The Tactical Cell (Post Impact: 5%) shared images from inside an investigation center, showing Iraqi interrogators processing the transferred detainees to gather intelligence and enhance security databases. The page Ahmed Al-Thawwaq (Post Impact: 4%) posted a video of the transfer, noting it was conducted “under American protection.” This issue was also discussed at the highest levels, as the Iraqi PM Media Office (Post Impact: 5%) reported that the State Administration Coalition supported the legal procedures for the transferred prisoners and called on the international community to take responsibility for its foreign nationals.

9. Tishreen Protests Remembered Amid Current Discontent

Amid the current economic protests, some pages evoked the memory of the Tishreen protest movement as a symbol of lost hope. The page Ahmed Al-Washah (Post Impact: 11%) shared a video with the poignant statement, “Tishreen was the last hope for Iraqis.” In a related post, the same page shared another video commemorating the “martyrs of Tishreen and Ashura,” linking the memory of the protest movement with a sense of sacrifice and current frustrations. This sentiment reflects a feeling of disappointment that the goals of the past movement have not been realized.

10. Top Political Leaders Hold High-Stakes Meetings

Behind the scenes of the public unrest, Iraqi political leaders were engaged in high-level meetings to address the country’s political and economic challenges. The official page of Mohammad Al-Halbousi (Post Impact: 5%) reported his meeting with Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), to discuss political developments and the unresolved issue of electing a new president. Furthermore, the Iraqi PM Media Office (Post Impact: 5%) released a statement about the State Administration Coalition meeting, which was attended by the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of Parliament. The meeting addressed strategic files, economic reforms, border control, and the transfer of ISIS prisoners, signaling a concerted effort by the ruling coalition to manage the multiple crises facing the nation.