Another fascinating talk was held at the Anglo-Omani Society at their headquarters in Mayfair on Thursday, January 18th, 2018. The event was about Oman and her neighbours and was completely booked out – a clear indication of how keen and enthusiastic Anglo-Omaniphiles are about Oman. Three guest speakers were invited. Chaired by Richard Muir (former ambassador to Oman), the starting point for the panel considered two of the most talked about issues facing Oman today: the influence of Oman’s biggest neighbour and the Sultan’s health.
Key points raised during the discussions
Oman has a history of taking a pragmatic approach to foreign policy since the 18th Century. This pragmatism has informed trade, strategic alliances and diplomacy. Based on Oman’s own unique culture, the relationships transcend religion.
The future inevitably lies in trade within the region. China’s One Belt trade route will rely on Oman as a key trading intermediary between Africa and the Far East.
The actions towards Qatar by many GCC states have undermined the very rationale of the GCC, since the decisions were made unilaterally and in disregard of GCC rules and protocols. Any further integration seems unlikely. The expansion of the GCC has also been handled badly.
Oman’s openness towards Qatar has been scorned by GCC members (who were aiming to punish Qatar), but was greatly appreciated by Qatar itself in the form of a trade export boost of 2000% from Oman to Qatar.
Oman still suffers from an over-reliance on oil and equally from a ‘drowsy predisposition’ amongst its population towards fatalism, that is, assuming that everything will be all right.
Like with other Gulf states, this over reliance on oil has created a rentier economy and will make it difficult and painful, particularly for the younger generations, to accept anything different.
One speaker talked about special relationships. He argued that Oman’s special relationship lay, in fact, with Iran, who have consistently found Oman to be a trusted partner and intermediary. (See also diplomatic cables about Iran from 2010: The Sultan added, laughing, that “I must say that as long as (the U.S.) is on the horizon, we have nothing to fear.”)
Lastly, regarding the potential for meddling in internal affairs during transitionary periods, Oman should, in fact, be more wary of the Emirates rather than Saudi Arabia.
I think I can speak for all guests in saying that we would have gladly stayed for an extra hour, listening to such interesting insights.
More information about the Anglo-Omani society can be found at their website.
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