Analysis: “Oman, Kind of Not Quiet”

Writing in Foreign Policy, Ra’id Zuhair Al-Jamali suggests that “this has been Oman’s least quiet year in a generation,” largely due to a handful of political reforms and stirrings throughout the country. The author contends that a political shift is taking place based on the political events of 2011 that have occurred through “sustained, significant pressure from within,” as opposed to external pressure to which the Omani government has traditionally responded.

Al-Jamali remains skeptical about the prospect of pluralism due to Oman’s “domineering power structure”, but he outlines several positive developments. For example, public prosecution gained independence from the police force, constitutional changes were announced granting the bicameral house eventual legislative and regulatory powers, and the appointed State Council has recognized civil society as an emergent social force.