The United Arab Emirates has cancelled almost $7 billion of debt including interest and arrears payments owed by Baghdad, becoming the first Gulf Arab country to forgive all of Iraq’s debt.The United States has pressed Arab governments to support Iraq’s recovery by joining Western nations in forgiving their share of Iraqi foreign debts that total up to $80 billion.

Washington also wants Arab capitals to establish high-level diplomatic representation in Iraq.

In a step toward easing Baghdad’s diplomatic isolation, the UAE appointed its new ambassador to Iraq on Sunday during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

But wait, Iraq and Qatar clash!

Dubai: Iraq and Qatar clash on Sunday in a crucial group A match in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers at Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

Iraq, who played their world cup qualifiers in Dubai due to the unsettled situation in their country, enter today’s match with two alternatives. They can either win or draw, while Qatar’s only option is to win by any margin to go through.

The two teams are equal on points with seven. However, Iraq have a better goal difference. Both teams have scored four, but Iraq have conceded five while Qatar have conceded six.