OMAN ONLINE: THE NATIVES ARE RESTLESS

UNCLAS MUSCAT 001983

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP (TROBERTS),NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),NEA/P
(FFINVER),IIP/G/NEA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SOCI MU
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: THE NATIVES ARE RESTLESS



1. Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or
simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive
Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the
country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in
the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly
reflective of Omani public opinion, Al-Sablah nevertheless offers
a worthwhile window into the hot topics and unvarnished views of
the day. This edition of Oman Online contains the following
topics:

--- The Sultan's Cable To President Bush
--- Demolishing the Diwan (Omani Royal Court)
--- Call For Demonstration

End summary.

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Sour Grapes
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2. Sultan Qaboos' cable congratulating President Bush on his re-
election triggered feelings of discontent among Al-Sablah
members. One participant expressed his disappointment with the
cable, saying "Oman has a close relationship with the United
States that the Sultan wants to consolidate; however, this is not
the general feeling among the Omanis." Expressions of anger and
sadness at the futility of changing Omani government policy
dominated the topic, including the following comment: "We cannot
do anything except say 'Congratulations' to Bush. This is what
our government wants from us." Another member sarcastically
remarked, "You [Bush] deserved victory in the election, for you
fought terrorism for three years by attacking Afghanistan and
Iraq."

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Down With The Diwan
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3. Speculation about the budget of the Diwan, Oman's Royal Court,
was a contentious issue in Al-Sablah. Many participants argued
that at the beginning of Sultan Qaboos' reign, the Diwan was
esteemed as a source of aid for needy Omanis. However, as one
participant put it, "The Diwan is now viewed as a means by which
VIPs, Al Saids [the royal family] and Sheikhs can obtain luxury
items." One bold individual argued, "This worthless ministry
should be done away with. It is a waste of Oman's wealth."

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Demonstrably Upset
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4. In recent days, a call was put forth in Al-Sablah urging
university and high school students in Oman to demonstrate in
front of the U.S. Embassy to show support for the Iraqi people.
The author of the call wrote, "Let's all unify against the
aggressor and march peacefully to express our rejection of the
crimes that America is committing in Iraq." One respondent
replied, "Let's show as much support for the Iraqis in Fallujah
as we did for the Palestinians in Jenin when they were attacked
by the Israelis." Many subscribers supported the idea of a
demonstration, and several suggested that a demonstration also be
held at the British Embassy and at the governors' offices in each
province. However, most participants expressed pessimism about
the usefulness of demonstrations. One contributor asked, "What
good would a demonstration in Oman do? Would it make the U.S.
and Britain change their position?" Another commented, "We
Muslims are in a long sleep. Will we not wake up until we hear
the sound of airplanes attacking us?"

BALTIMORE