Descriptions of Syria have changed a lot over the past year. From a much-maligned state sponsor of terrorism, to a country ruined by civil war, to — now — a potential energy hub connecting the Middle East and Europe, a hub that could help save the world from the inflationary impacts of the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

The positive description has come about due to the current Iran war. After Israel and the US attacked Iran in late February, Iran closed off the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important waterways in the world for the transport of crude oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.