{"id":7924,"date":"2026-01-06T00:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T21:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/2026-01-05-rising-us-dollar-exchange-rate-sparks-public-anger\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T00:05:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T21:05:19","slug":"2026-01-05-rising-us-dollar-exchange-rate-sparks-public-anger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/2026-01-05-rising-us-dollar-exchange-rate-sparks-public-anger\/","title":{"rendered":"2026-01-05: Rising US Dollar Exchange Rate Sparks Public Anger"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Based on an analysis of 418 Facebook posts trending on January 5, 2026, by Miqrab AI, the primary narratives in Iraq revolve around pressing economic hardships and key political developments. The most significant concern is the rising exchange rate of the US dollar, with multiple pages expressing public frustration over increased taxes and the government&#8217;s economic policies. Politically, attention is focused on the election of a new governor for Anbar province and the activities of prominent figures in the new parliamentary session. Regionally, a cleric&#8217;s controversial statement of allegiance to Iran sparked widespread debate, while reports about the Syrian government&#8217;s rejection of a guesthouse for the Al-Sadr family in Damascus also gained traction. Tensions between Iran and Israel, including reports of US surveillance, remain a key topic of discussion among Iraqi social media users.<\/p>\n<h1>Today&#8217;s Top 10 Facebook Trends in Iraq:<\/h1>\n<h2>1. Rising US Dollar Exchange Rate Sparks Public Anger<\/h2>\n<p>A surge in the US dollar exchange rate to 148,000 Iraqi dinars has triggered a wave of frustration on Iraqi Facebook pages. The page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1615861922936178\/\" target=\"_blank\">Muhammad Nasir Khalif<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 23%)<\/strong> posted a video directly criticizing the government&#8217;s policies, stating, <em>&#8220;What do you want from us? You have gone mad against the Iraqi people with taxes, and today the last thing is the dollar has risen.&#8221;<\/em> Similarly, the page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/setashwaq\/posts\/pfbid0Jvchko1Tgwf74DLWcbBwo3i3sVnuSH9aHJpvsWgCuyGio42rWicSxmzX4u2yQgtkl\" target=\"_blank\">Set Ashwaq um Alqanunia<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 22%)<\/strong> commented sarcastically on the situation, saying, <em>&#8220;The dollar became 148,000. I appeal to the Baghdad Municipality to renovate Al-Umma Park so we can go beg there.&#8221;<\/em> Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1567437557870665\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ahmed ALTaib<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 20%)<\/strong> shared a video clip titled &#8220;Government clarification regarding the rise in the dollar exchange rate,&#8221; indicating that official responses are also being circulated amid the public outcry.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Cleric&#8217;s Pledge of Allegiance to Iran Stirs Controversy<\/h2>\n<p>A statement by cleric Abu Habib al-Safi declaring his loyalty to Iran has become a major point of contention. The page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/iraqeaseel\/posts\/pfbid02AQf7ruSfEvbiRQjdGF5p6CA1VrRPirXn7JYeGF6MmhmTNeUpSGqxFNBtRP7Gczvcl\" target=\"_blank\">The Authentic Iraqi<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 41%)<\/strong> prominently featured his quote: <em>&#8220;The cleric Abu Habib al-Safi &#8216;We are ready to stand with Iran with our sons and our souls&#8217;.&#8221;<\/em> This narrative was echoed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MnBaghdad\/posts\/pfbid0waHJfXAoUVsU1my83WzWvWiZSiZAccZchQrq4yf9Um1jqLkr3N5bUgKQTpJ6gNQ7l\" target=\"_blank\">Min Baghdad<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 16%)<\/strong>, which reported that al-Safi directed a message to those he described as &#8220;sons of the female comrades,&#8221; reiterating the same pledge of support for Iran. The posts highlight the divisive nature of such declarations within the Iraqi public sphere.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Journalist Adnan al-Taie Criticized by Politician<\/h2>\n<p>Journalist Adnan al-Taie has become the subject of controversy following remarks from politician Mustafa Sanad. The page of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mustafa.j.sanad\/posts\/pfbid02bo8xDUXxSw5XjNTq9XYeqXnGgZtHHUXeh9bokg5VhdgmksLq2o8ZuSrq5JVAZkzdl\" target=\"_blank\">Mustafa Sanad<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 37%)<\/strong> posted sarcastically, <em>&#8220;Thanks to journalist Adnan al-Taie, for 4 years I&#8217;ve been trying to explain the meaning of the word (doni) but I didn&#8217;t know how. Now it&#8217;s easy.&#8221;<\/em> This sentiment was amplified by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Ahmed.Althawaq.official\/posts\/pfbid06sLuf7SXLdkWYX6WjULmrnQuuRpVdGLZeUbVNoyxEspqwhKYAJaiosD3QYADvzyyl\" target=\"_blank\">Ahmad Aldhawaq<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 11%)<\/strong>, which accused al-Taie&#8217;s programs of specifically targeting Shiites and shamed individuals who appear on his show for $100, calling them failures who allow themselves to be insulted for money.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Syria Reportedly Rejects Al-Sadr Guesthouse in Damascus<\/h2>\n<p>Several pages reported on what they described as a surprising development involving the Al-Sadr family and the Syrian government. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/iraqeaseel\/posts\/pfbid0XRZ2p6wSCtUb1XNoZStV1Pccbg4RZvoj9LN5yqP8mZd6qv7KMzZEYh2Wq9r9XgYjl\" target=\"_blank\">The Authentic Iraqi<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 32%)<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/erbil.noow\/posts\/pfbid0UYMRB45ai7mPhKMAhDpx78XHWsKvBW1t8iPWquHbfcyCudF9qzP1FdBxEvaQoEPzl\" target=\"_blank\">Ahdath Arbil<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 13%)<\/strong> both posted that <em>&#8220;In surprising news | The Syrian government refuses to grant approval to open the Al-Sadr family&#8217;s guesthouse at the shrine of Sayyidah Zaynab (AS).&#8221;<\/em> This news suggests a potential political or diplomatic issue. However, a conflicting report emerged from the page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MissYou.iq\/posts\/pfbid0LXSm94XtoQVHTqjF2569DAuFboiYT77SMPZstctqRPcb5Kwg28R8Lif7Bbt2dTESl\" target=\"_blank\">Markaz Aliraqi Alkhabari<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong>, which posted an image with the caption, &#8220;#Now the opening of the guesthouse of the honorable Al-Sadr family at the shrine of Sayyidah Zaynab (AS),&#8221; creating confusion about the actual status of the guesthouse.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Anbar Provincial Council Elects New Governor<\/h2>\n<p>The election of a new governor for Anbar province was a significant political event covered by multiple sources. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Mohammad.Alhalboosi\/posts\/pfbid02Ntq7Eo6DFvKAiQJykYBKXu5hFU6TX72m2jLroU3PRqiL3WsgNzqWhNqgbX2eGnYfl\" target=\"_blank\">Mohammed Al-Halbousi<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 25%)<\/strong>, head of the Taqaddum Party, congratulated Engineer Omar Mashaan Dabbous al-Dulaimi on his election, while also thanking the outgoing governor, Mohammed Nuri. The page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Brothersirq\/posts\/pfbid0KgC3Vf9Y77Kq7EbVt6xzmfXKS6m7gjtM1qJnbh6qFR3yBbhnDov4MXw3kSV5Zdskl\" target=\"_blank\">Alkhuwa Alnadhifa<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 7%)<\/strong> confirmed the news, stating that the Anbar Provincial Council voted unanimously for the new governor. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hamadani3jel\/posts\/pfbid02GiQJse3tMKSU76EdxXzgVUToNRzMp9zLKCkPYRhYsm9o6ymMUSuR4Sd8xa7xRTbrl\" target=\"_blank\">Ahmed AlHamdani<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong> also covered the election, noting that the position now goes to a member of the Al-Bu Dhiyab tribe after being held by several other prominent Anbari tribes in previous terms.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Hanan al-Fatlawi\u2019s First Speech in New Parliament Session<\/h2>\n<p>A single post by politician Hanan al-Fatlawi generated exceptionally high engagement. The page of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1362809475095348\/\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Hanan Al-Fatlawi<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 100%)<\/strong> shared a video reel with the caption, <em>&#8220;My first intervention in the first organizational session of the Council of Representatives for the sixth term..&#8221;<\/em> While the post does not elaborate on the content of her speech, the act of sharing her first parliamentary address of the new term signaled her prominent return to the political stage, attracting significant attention and interaction from her followers.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Heightened Israel-Iran Tensions and US Surveillance<\/h2>\n<p>Tensions between Israel and Iran are a key focus for pages monitoring regional security. The page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/naynawaiq\/posts\/pfbid02w9P3v6C2Neyupg33qt1RGU3pF74P8gtJafxKvLPsacLJ773PoXAdWyT6vZGEpWyql\" target=\"_blank\">Ninawaa<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 10%)<\/strong> reported that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, fearing missile attacks, sent a message to Iran through Russian President Putin, stating, <em>&#8220;we do not want war.&#8221;<\/em> This message reportedly followed Iranian missile drills. Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Tacticiq\/posts\/pfbid0jxTNm4TMSCsnzqz1kqoPCGhahKh4AwQNUemiPDHMsahhBfJ1uxL8wJzyZzEwWxFKl\" target=\"_blank\">Alkhaliya Altaktikia<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 7%)<\/strong> reported spotting an American Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducting reconnaissance and intelligence gathering along the Iranian coast after taking off from a base in Bahrain. The same page also analyzed Israeli media strategy, noting a pattern of issuing threats while simultaneously sending messages of de-escalation through intermediaries.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Conflicting Reports on Protests and Rallies Inside Iran<\/h2>\n<p>Facebook pages presented a divided picture of the internal situation in Iran. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1680998349542385\/\" target=\"_blank\">Al Hadath Iraq<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 18%)<\/strong>, citing Al-Hadath Channel, shared a video allegedly showing protestors burning a vehicle belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Fars province, southern Iran. Conversely, the page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/2345186512577197\/\" target=\"_blank\">Ninawaa<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 11%)<\/strong> posted footage of what it described as massive marches in the city of Qom in support of the Iranian government. Adding to the narrative of instability, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1827445551238602\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hussam Alhaj<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 8%)<\/strong> quoted analyst Qusay Mahbouba stating that Iran is going through its <em>&#8220;most dangerous phase in 47 years&#8221;<\/em> and that recent bazaar protests could be the spark that ignites a larger movement.<\/p>\n<h2>9. PM Al-Sudani&#8217;s Economic Leadership Under Scrutiny<\/h2>\n<p>Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani&#8217;s performance and policies are a subject of active discussion. His official page, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MohamedShiaAlsudani\/posts\/pfbid02zDin33fzQLPz15YFrCDeiSF9fWr7LUG7Bm2akL3opnfYXxkrfeK5UWGcexgUiLVfl\" target=\"_blank\">Almuhandis Muhammad Shiaa Alsudani<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 17%)<\/strong>, detailed his leadership of an economic council meeting aimed at maximizing state revenues and reducing expenditures. However, public sentiment appears mixed. A highly engaging video from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1959457924988483\/\" target=\"_blank\">Haydar Khalaf Ghazi<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 27%)<\/strong> carried a critical tone, stating, <em>&#8220;Al-Sudani advised you, but you did not listen to the advice!&#8221;<\/em> Other pages, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Alljokesiq\/posts\/pfbid0sPqQqbf8VdLVpur2QB4xNWnneXnFJV5AyGkVupgugbJrnELybp989Zzm5Uz6jVyzl\" target=\"_blank\">Taraif Alalam<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 20%)<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MissYou.iq\/posts\/pfbid02T1EduDgDtemjkLSKMJxzQoPVnhKAXvQybJxSijR8iRw7KuEAbCvUh79RNb1zDoVYl\" target=\"_blank\">Markaz Aliraqi Alkhabari<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong>, directly polled their audiences, asking, <em>&#8220;Before he leaves office\u2026 What do you say to Mohammed Shia al-Sudani?&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>10. Muqtada al-Sadr&#8217;s Activities and Communications<\/h2>\n<p>The political activities of Muqtada al-Sadr are being closely followed, primarily through posts from his official office. The page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/jawabna2020\/posts\/pfbid0tSfZ4V3bbUMjnW5JHKpPdWtK8Ck253Y3YvGXWQEAoNY8z7FRKC1CojJxUoeQr5XVl\" target=\"_blank\">The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 31%)<\/strong> shared a statement that al-Sadr had posted on the &#8220;X&#8221; platform, which garnered significant attention. The same office also published detailed reports on the activities of al-Sadr&#8217;s representatives in the provinces of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/jawabna2020\/posts\/pfbid0NJybURfLjcK5Pd99WxSYZb1CaS4HLGbN5RfJjPhHx7n7QzrutK4iB4cH53UiAXE7l\" target=\"_blank\">Diyala<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 9%)<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/jawabna2020\/posts\/pfbid02nDchUUdcp9SNaCWidVxUhcAxCsRHrPP3iu1jVQi9QECxWGM1StG86XRiFRX7fEkel\" target=\"_blank\">Babil<\/a> <strong>(Post Impact: 8%)<\/strong>. These reports included information about meetings with tribal sheikhs and media personnel, often including al-Sadr&#8217;s direct comments and guidance, such as instructing his representatives to <em>&#8220;Convey my greetings to them.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Based on an analysis of 418 Facebook posts trending on January 5, 2026, by Miqrab AI, the primary narratives in Iraq revolve around pressing economic hardships and key political developments. The most significant concern is the rising exchange rate of the US dollar, with multiple pages expressing public frustration over increased taxes and the government&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7925,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70,73,78],"tags":[82,52,81,84],"class_list":["post-7924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-facebook","category-iraq","category-daily","tag-daily-reports","tag-iraq-daily-social-media-trends","tag-iraq-public-opinion","tag-trending-facebook"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7924"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7926,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7924\/revisions\/7926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miqrab.ai\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}