Oman: Sultan Grants Powers to Council of Oman

Sultan Qaboos bin Said has granted legislative and regulatory powers to the Council of Oman in response to recent protests in the country.  Previously, only the Sultan and his cabinet had such powers with the Council of Oman acting as a strictly consultative body.  Whether the Sultan will retain veto power is unclear.  The Council comprises two bodies: the State Council (Majlis al-Dawla) and the Consultation Council (Majlis al-Shura).  Members of the State Council are appointed by royal decree while the members of the Consultation Council are elected.