The Iraq T-72 tanks and the T-72 tanks were and are export versions of the Soviet/Russian T-72s. The export versions are dumbed down models and not a fair example of real T-72s. Russian T-72s had better armor and other capabilities that would have faired well against the early Abrams. Plus, the Russians have upgraded the T-72 and call it the T-90. The T-90 is a better match against even the upgraded Abrams.
You are correct 100%.Same tanks was delivered to Syria. I know first hand :-)