Damascus Lacks Economic Leverage Against Baghdad Amid Regional Tensions
On March 11, 2025, economic analyst Nasser Al-Tamimi assessed the prospects of Syria employing economic strategies in its relations with Iraq amid ongoing protests in Iraq related to events along the Syrian coast. Al-Tamimi expressed skepticism regarding Syria’s capability to exert economic pressure on Baghdad, emphasizing that Iraq holds significant alternatives for food imports and is not reliant on Syria.
Al-Tamimi stated, “Syria possesses minimal economic strength to utilize against Iraq as a coercive tool. In reality, the relationship is reciprocal, with Syria requiring Iraq for the export of food and other goods. The Iraqi market is crucial for Damascus, not the other way around.”
He elaborated that trade between Iraq and Syria has been stagnant since the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad, a scenario that has had minimal impact on the Iraqi market while significantly affecting the Syrian economy. Al-Tamimi reiterated that Iraq has various avenues for sourcing foodstuffs and is not primarily dependent on Syrian imports.
Furthermore, on February 6, 2025, the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee announced a notable achievement in border control. The committee revealed that smuggling activities along the Iraqi-Syrian border have reached a historic low, recording zero incidents since 2003. This milestone is attributed to robust security strategies implemented by Baghdad in recent years.
Committee member Yasser Iskandar and Tut highlighted the long-standing security challenges posed by smuggling across the 600 km border, which had previously been a source of significant unrest, especially during the events of June 2014. He noted that Baghdad has reassessed its border security strategies, learning from past incursions by terrorist groups, and has undertaken a comprehensive approach to border management.
Tut stated, “Our analysis of border vulnerabilities and the implementation of targeted precautionary measures, alongside a three-dimensional strategy for securing those borders, have been pivotal in enhancing border security.”
He detailed that the new strategy incorporates multiple defense lines, cutting-edge technology for surveillance, and the extensive experience of security forces, asserting that these initiatives have collectively led to the unprecedented outcome of smuggling reaching zero along the Iraqi-Syrian border.
Additionally, Tut emphasized the complexity and challenge of securing over 600 kilometers of the border, yet characterized the prevailing security environment as stable and secure. This stability is expected to contribute positively to Iraq’s overall internal security and sovereignty.
