<p>Just a few months ago, resolution of Iraq's gigantic debt seemed pretty much insurmountable. But with almost no media fanfare, special Presidential debt envoy James A. Baker III has been making notable progress.</p>
<p>In December, the former Secretary of State visited Iraq's main European creditors and Japan, winning promises for major debt reduction. Now it's the Arab world's turn to make its contribution to a stable, free Iraq. Early this week Mr. Baker won general debt forgiveness promises from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, and yesterday he reportedly got the same from the biggest Arab creditor, Saudi Arabia. While no numbers were disclosed, the size of the haircut is expected to be large.</p>