Iraq Locks Down: Syrian, Iranian Borders Closed

Responding to a bloody start to the week, Iraq has temporarily shut down its borders with Syria and Iran. The 72 h closure is designed to disrupt the flow of terrorists and materiel from both countries in an effort to reduce the violence which continues to plague central Iraq. Given the length of each border (605 km with Syria and 1 458 km with Iran), extensive aerial reconnaissance and ground enforcement will be necessary to monitor activity in areas between established ports-of-entry. Until the security environment in central Iraq improves to a level which can be managed by law enforcement and the judicial system and effective, lasting agreements are reached with Syria and Iran, this action should be repeated as often as the Iraqi government sees fit. While unfortunate, the economic disruptions generated by this necessary trade barrier may inspire the citizens of the region to step up their efforts to secure their respective nations. In any case, this is a prudent step to take and is an encouraging sign from a government which has had its credibility questioned over the past several months, which needs to be firmly established if Iraq is to regain any sense of stability.