To be truthful, Syrian Latakia pipe tobacco is awesome stuff (although most of the existing aged stock was lost in a fire at the GL Pease warehouse.) I would not be surprised if they grow half decent cigar leaf too.
Problem is of course that to make a decent cigar takes experience - and lots of it. So despite all the
terroir, seed variety, agricultural techniques, etc involved, you have to know how to store, age, blend and then roll the darn things. That doesn't happen overnight - these chaps are delusional!
Cubans lead the pack for a reason. I highly recommend the movie "Cigars: The Heart and Soul of Cuba" by James Suckling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJeEqZHh2I