Iraq and Syria tout their reopened border crossing as an alternative oil route

Iraq and Syria have reopened an important border crossing after more than ten years. Officials are excited about its potential for trade and oil exports. They believe this crossing provides an alternative route to the busy Strait of Hormuz, which is affected by the conflict in Iran. However, transporting oil by truck is not as effective as using pipelines or oil tankers at sea. During the opening ceremony on Monday, Nadia al-Jubouri, a member of the Nineveh provincial council in Iraq, stated that this crossing will facilitate "trade exchange and oil transportation towards this great gate."