Oman: Fresh Protests in Sohar

For the fourth day in  a row protesters took to the streets of Sohar, Oman, demanding jobs and political reforms. The military attempted to break up the protests by firing into the air, but wounded one man before pulling back. Political parties are banned in Oman and Sultan Qaboos exercises absolute power in the country. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley commented on the protests stating, “we have been in touch with the Government of Oman and we continue to encourage the government to undertake reforms that include economic opportunity and move towards greater inclusion and participation in a peaceful political process.” Crowley also urged “restraint and to resolve differences through dialogue” in response to reports of government violence against protesters.