Miqrab AI’s analysis of 436 Facebook posts trending in Iraq on March 2, 2025, reveals a landscape dominated by political and religious discourse. The highest engagement centered on the public appearance of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, indicating his significant influence. Concurrently, discussions around governance were prominent, with Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s office promoting its electricity and infrastructure plans, while former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s televised interview sparked widespread debate about his tenure, state finances, and corruption. Religious activities, particularly those of Muqtada al-Sadr, also captured significant attention at the start of Ramadan. Beyond politics, practical news such as a nationwide rain forecast was widely shared, alongside viral satirical content related to historical dramas.<\/p>\n
The most engaging topic on Iraqi Facebook was a video showing a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The page Aziz Nasser<\/a> (Post Impact: 32%)<\/strong> shared a video of the meeting with the caption “Meeting with His Eminence Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (may his shadow last long).” Other pages also commented on the revered cleric, with Al-Iraq<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong> noting that he was born in 1930, making him 94 years old. The page World Jokes Through Iraqi Eyes<\/a> (Post Impact: 1%)<\/strong> also posted a photo of a doctor meeting with him, underscoring the high level of public interest in the Ayatollah’s activities and health.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s official page detailed government plans for the electricity sector, generating significant attention. The page Mohammed Shia Al Sudani<\/a> (Post Impact: 24%)<\/strong> reported on a meeting he chaired to follow up on the plan for summer 2025, electronic billing, and maintenance schedules. The post stated that the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Electricity to improve service during Ramadan and provide additional fuel to private generators to increase supply hours during Iftar and Suhoor. Supporting this narrative, the page The Government Palace<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong> praised the Sudani government’s achievements, contrasting the current stability in food reserves and infrastructure development with the situation before he took office.<\/p>\n A televised interview with former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi sparked widespread discussion across multiple pages. The page Iraqis Only<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> quoted Al-Kadhimi as saying, “I left office and left behind 88 billion dollars and 137 tons of gold. Those who insulted me yesterday have become my friends today.”<\/em> This statement was also shared by Baghdad<\/a> (Post Impact: 3%)<\/strong>. Journalist Steven Nabil<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> provided a detailed summary of Al-Kadhimi’s remarks on the two assassination attempts against him, quoting him as saying the Iranians told him the attack on his house was an “Israeli act.”<\/em> In a post reflecting a shift in opinion, journalist Sahar Abbas Jamil<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong> expressed regret, stating, “We realize we were not right about this man, and even crossed the line when we listened to and believed those who tried to distort the image of his era.”<\/em><\/p>\n The activities of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr were a major topic, driven by posts from his official office. The Private Office of His Eminence Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr<\/a> (Post Impact: 12%)<\/strong> published the first lecture in a series on the interpretation of the Quran, specifically Surat Al-Mursalat. The same page also shared a post from his personal account on the platform “X” (Post Impact: 12%)<\/strong> and published answers to questions received on the second night of Ramadan (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong>. Separately, the news page Yalla<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong> reported on Sadr’s call to close nightclubs, dance halls, and gambling centers during the month of Ramadan, specifying that it should be done “temporarily, and through the law.”<\/em><\/p>\n Multiple news and community pages shared a forecast from the Meteorological Organization predicting a period of rain across the country. The Clean Brotherhood<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> reported that the rainy weather would start on Tuesday and end the following Sunday. This news was echoed by From Iraq<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong>, Baghdadi Eyes<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong>, and Eyes of Iraq<\/a> (Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong>, indicating a high level of public interest in the weather forecast at the beginning of Ramadan.<\/p>\n A satirical piece of text imagining the historical figure Hind bint Utbah in a modern context was shared widely, becoming a viral trend. The post, shared by pages like Nafs Iraq<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> and The Zelma<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong>, humorously describes Hind wearing a satin robe, getting her hair done in a salon, and driving a “camel… which was the Tahoe of the pre-Islamic era.” The text appears to be a commentary on the production values and historical interpretations seen in recent television dramas about that period.<\/p>\n A security incident at Najaf International Airport became a point of discussion, with conflicting accounts circulating on Facebook. Breaking News<\/a> (Post Impact: 3%)<\/strong> reported on statements by Sayyid al-Qubanchi, the Friday prayer leader in Najaf, who claimed that “An American force stormed the airport and searched the rooms… the youth confronted them.”<\/em> Steven Nabil<\/a> (Post Impact: 3%)<\/strong> also reported on al-Qubanchi’s comments, highlighting his claim that the incident involved American Humvees. However, The Tactical Cell<\/a> (Post Impact: 1%)<\/strong> later refuted claims of a US military presence, stating that the individuals who entered the airport were part of a security company affiliated with the US Embassy and were securing the arrival of an important figure.<\/p>\n Posts showing Iraqi security forces breaking their fast at the border gained positive attention online. The page Protectors of the Homeland<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong> shared a video titled “From the Iraqi borders, the Iftar of the heroes, the security forces.” Similarly, Support Iraqi Security Forces<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong> posted photos of soldiers having their Iftar meal on the Iraqi-Syrian border. These posts highlight patriotism and appreciation for the armed forces during the holy month of Ramadan.<\/p>\n The issue of corruption was a topic of discussion, prompted by political statements and analyses. Former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi’s interview included comments on the “theft of the century,” with the page Iraqis Only<\/a> (Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong> quoting him questioning why the suspect Noor Zuhair was released and asking why a 22 billion dollar railway deal was not also called a major theft. In a separate post, Baqir Jabr al-Zubaidi<\/a> (Post Impact: 2%)<\/strong> commented on a Transparency International report ranking Iraq as the 8th most corrupt Arab country in 2024. He stated that “corruption has become rampant and has transformed from a negative practice into a culture”<\/em> and warned that if the situation continues, “we may witness a revolution of the hungry that will overthrow the corrupt.”<\/em><\/p>\n2. PM Sudani Details Electricity Plan for Summer 2025 and Ramadan<\/h2>\n
3. Former PM Al-Kadhimi’s TV Interview Dominates Discussion<\/h2>\n
4. Muqtada al-Sadr’s Ramadan Lectures and Directives<\/h2>\n
5. Nationwide Rain Forecasted for the Upcoming Week<\/h2>\n
6. Satirical Post about Historical Figure Hind bint Utbah Goes Viral<\/h2>\n
7. Conflicting Reports Emerge on Najaf Airport Security Incident<\/h2>\n
8. Security Forces’ Ramadan Iftar at the Border Praised Online<\/h2>\n
9. Renewed Discussions on Corruption in Iraq<\/h2>\n
10. Xiaomi 15 Ultra Phone Launch and Pricing in Iraq<\/h2>\n