The United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf state to name an ambassador to Iraq — a move that is hoped will encourage other Arab states to follow. Restoring full diplomatic ties is an important step because many of Iraq's neighbors are predominantly Sunni Muslims, and they've been slow to warm to the Shiite-led government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. We are sorry. The content item you requested needs to be replaced since the sydicator has abruptly ended this news service. Worth Sharing is committed to finding another version of this news story elsewhere and adding the replacement link by mid-January, 2009. Please check back!