The decision to reopen the border comes after the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2015 and the announcement on Monday of a joint trade commission between Saudi Arabia and Iraq ReutersSaudi Arabia is reopening its border with Iraq for the first time since the 1991 Gulf War as Riyadh tries to improve relations with Baghdad and challenge Iran’s influence on its neighbour. Riyadh cut ties with Iraq when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990 and briefly threatened Saudi Arabia itself. Mutual suspicion remained so long as Saddam stayed in power but his removal did not end the impasse as Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival, gained ever greater influence with his fall in 2003. The decision to reopen the border comes after the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2015 and the announcement on Monday of a joint trade commission. It will mean access through the desert crossing point at Arar, set in the huge border wall…

Source: The Times August 15, 2017 23:03 UTC