Miqrab AI’s analysis of 395 trending Facebook posts in Iraq on January 2, 2025, reveals a strong focus on domestic politics, security, and socio-economic issues. The fifth anniversary of the Baghdad airport incident dominated discussions, with numerous pages commemorating the event and politicians issuing statements. Government activities were also a key theme, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s meetings and project inaugurations receiving significant attention. Politically charged topics included controversial statements by Ammar Al-Hakim regarding armed factions and a widespread debate over the extradition of a Kuwaiti political activist. High-impact local news, such as the discovery of an illegal slaughterhouse in Diwaniyah and a tragic crime in Sadr City, also generated substantial engagement, reflecting public concern over public health and safety.<\/p>\n
Multiple Facebook pages marked the fifth anniversary of the Baghdad airport incident. Posts on pages like Mustafa Sanad – Mustafa Sanad<\/a> (Post Impact: 42%)<\/strong> and Baghdad<\/a> (Post Impact: 18%)<\/strong> shared images of the Airport Road. Other pages reported on the public response, with Al-Adhamiya News<\/a> (Post Impact: 15%)<\/strong> noting that large crowds were gathering at the site to commemorate the event. Political commentary was also present, as Steven Nabil<\/a> (Post Impact: 22%)<\/strong> highlighted a statement by Hadi al-Amiri which described the Trump administration as one of “tyranny, injustice, and arrogance”<\/em> without explicitly mentioning Trump’s name. The page Turaif al-Alam bi-Uyun Iraqiya<\/a> (Post Impact: 19%)<\/strong> also shared a post simply marking the fifth anniversary of the incident.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s meeting with Adnan Dirjal, the head of the Iraqi Football Federation, was a major topic of discussion. The Prime Minister’s official page, Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani<\/a> (Post Impact: 55%)<\/strong>, reported that the meeting addressed the national team’s preparations for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the need to achieve the “dream of Iraqis” to qualify. The post also mentioned support for the Iraqi Professional League and the “Dream” project for youth development in partnership with Spain’s La Liga. The Prime Minister of Iraq’s Media Office<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong> also covered the meeting. News page Iraq 24<\/a> (Post Impact: 10%)<\/strong> highlighted that the meeting was prompted by the national team’s disappointing performance in the Gulf Cup 26 tournament in Kuwait.<\/p>\n Statements made by Ammar al-Hakim regarding armed factions and the religious authority’s (Marj’iyya) recent \u0628\u064a\u0627\u0646 (statement) generated significant buzz. Al-Khawa Al-Nathifa<\/a> (Post Impact: 34%)<\/strong> reported Al-Hakim’s interpretation that the Marj’iyya’s call for confining weapons specifically meant “the factions’ weapons.”<\/em> The post added that Al-Hakim claimed to have information from the US administration that some factions might be targeted. This was echoed by Steven Nabil<\/a> (Post Impact: 24%)<\/strong>, who covered Al-Hakim’s remarks during an event in Najaf. The page Ahmed AlHamdani<\/a> (Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong> also reported on Al-Hakim revealing information from Washington about the potential targeting of armed groups.<\/p>\n A post with very high engagement from Al-Khawa Al-Nathifa<\/a> (Post Impact: 100%)<\/strong> reported on a security operation in Diwaniyah province. According to the page, security forces discovered a residence in the “Al-Hawasim” area that was being used as an illegal slaughterhouse for horses and donkeys. The news raised concerns among users about public health and the source of meat being sold in local markets.<\/p>\n MP Noor Nafea Al-Julihawi shared a detailed update about her meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to address critical issues in Diwaniyah province. In her post, Noor Nafea Al-Julihawi<\/a> (Post Impact: 87%)<\/strong> stated she secured the Prime Minister’s approval for several key initiatives. These include the establishment of new health centers, the construction and renovation of schools, and resolving delays in a major service project rehabilitating 42 neighborhoods. The meeting also covered resolving the land ownership files for non-commissioned officers, honoring wounded security forces, and addressing employment issues for census workers and contract-based employees.<\/p>\n The Iraqi government’s decision to extradite Kuwaiti opposition activist Salman Al-Khaldi sparked a major controversy online. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior, as shared by Support for Iraqi Security Forces<\/a> (Post Impact: 8%)<\/strong>, justified the action by stating Al-Khaldi was wanted on criminal charges and was handed over via Interpol as part of international agreements. However, this narrative was widely challenged. Pages like Khan Jghan<\/a> (Post Impact: 15%)<\/strong> and Salem Mashkour<\/a> (Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong> argued the charges were political, making the extradition a violation of Interpol’s rules and Iraqi law. Commentator Muna Sami<\/a> (Post Impact: 7%)<\/strong> criticized the irony of former Iraqi opposition figures, now in power, handing over a political dissident.<\/p>\n Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s official page documented his visit to Baiji in Salah al-Din province, where he inaugurated several key reconstruction and energy projects. In one post, Engineer Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani<\/a> (Post Impact: 22%)<\/strong> announced the opening of the Refineries Residential City, comprising 1,178 homes that were rebuilt after being destroyed by ISIS terrorists. A follow-up summary post from the same account<\/a> (Post Impact: 21%)<\/strong> detailed the launch of new refining units at the Al-Siniya and North refineries, aimed at increasing the total refining capacity and reducing Iraq’s reliance on imported fuel. The Prime Minister’s office framed these projects as proof of the region’s stability and the end of the terrorist threat.<\/p>\n A horrific crime in Sadr City, resulting in the death of an entire family, elicited widespread public grief and calls for justice. The page Latest Iraqi Events<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> shared a poignant post featuring the father of the victims, who lost his five daughters and his pregnant wife. In the post, the father tearfully demanded the execution of the perpetrators. A similar emotional video was shared by Iraqi News Center<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong>. The public response was also covered by Khabar Ajel<\/a> (Post Impact: 5%)<\/strong>, which reported that dozens of people had gathered at the victims’ home to condemn the heinous act and offer their condolences.<\/p>\n Iraqi political and religious figures issued statements condemning a reported attack on New Year’s Eve revelers in New Orleans, USA. Hussam Alhaj<\/a> (Post Impact: 6%)<\/strong> reported a comment from Muqtada Al-Sadr, who stated, “Anyone who tries to take revenge on civilians does not represent Islam… there is no compulsion in religion!!”<\/em> Similarly, Rian Chaldean<\/a> (Post Impact: 4%)<\/strong> posted a statement via his X account strongly condemning the “horrific terrorist attack,” expressing solidarity with the victims and calling for international efforts to combat extremism.<\/p>\n2. PM Al-Sudani Discusses National Football Team’s Future<\/h2>\n
3. Al-Hakim’s Statements on Armed Factions Stir Debate<\/h2>\n
4. Illegal Slaughterhouse for Horses and Donkeys Discovered<\/h2>\n
5. MP Al-Julihawi Meets PM on Diwaniyah Provincial Issues<\/h2>\n
6. Outrage Over Extradition of Kuwaiti Activist to Kuwait<\/h2>\n
7. PM Al-Sudani Inaugurates Projects in Baiji<\/h2>\n
8. Public Grief and Anger Over Sadr City Family Murder<\/h2>\n
9. Iraqi Leaders Condemn New Orleans New Year’s Attack<\/h2>\n
10. Viral Post Celebrates Brotherhood in the Military<\/h2>\n