Article

2020-11-20 Arabia

Iraq, Saudi Arabia reopen key border crossing after decades

[IsraelTimes] Iraq and Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
have reopened the main border crossing for trade between the two nations after three decades of closure, Iraq’s border authority says.

The Arar crossing was shuttered in 1990s, following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait after which Riyadh cut all ties with Iraq. The crossing remained closed, reflecting the unease in Baghdad-Riyadh ties with successive governments.

But diplomatic ties were restored in 2015, following several high-level meetings that lead first to the reopening of Riyadh’s embassy in Baghdad. Later, in 2017, a bilateral coordination council was established to improve ties.

Arar’s reopening represents a key step toward firming relations and deepening Iraq-Saudi economic cooperation. Previously, the crossing would open just once a year for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Posted by trailing wife 2020-11-20 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11130 views ] Top
File under: Govt of Iraq

#1 Little comment on the Border Wall Security Project begun by Saudi Arabia some time ago. It was to run some 500 miles from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf. All indications have it that the project has been completed and serves its purpose. .

Posted by b 2020-11-20 06:39|| 2020-11-20 06:39|| Front Page Top

#2 As I recall, b, it wasn’t so much a wall as a giant earth berm running the length of the border — much easier and quicker to make with just some bulldozers, and goodness knows Arabia has plenty of sand.

Posted by trailing wife 2020-11-20 08:30|| 2020-11-20 08:30|| Front Page Top

#3 Where sand sea existed there was a berm (and little likelihood of crossing). Elsewhere there was planned a sort of sophisticated Israeli fence operation. I believe South Africans won a bid for much of the work. There were to be watchtowers every mile or so. I suppose it could be verified by aerial photography.

Posted by b 2020-11-20 18:10|| 2020-11-20 18:10|| Front Page Top

#4 No doubt it could. That’s my bit of learning for today, then :-)

Posted by trailing wife 2020-11-20 21:29|| 2020-11-20 21:29|| Front Page Top

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