Iraq’s U-Turn on Terror Designations Exposes Tehran’s Grip and Washington’s Weakness

In a startling reversal that lays bare the fragile state of Iraqi sovereignty, Baghdad has withdrawn its recent decision to designate Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis as terrorist organizations. This move, announced mere weeks after the original asset freeze order was published, underscores how Iran-backed factions continue to wield disproportionate influence over Iraq’s government—undermining not only regional security but also America’s strategic interests. When Political Pressure Trumps National Security The initial designation on November 17 was a bold step towards holding violent actors accountable. Both Hezbollah and the Houthis have long been recognized as proxies of Iran's expansionist agenda—supporting terrorism,...