Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MUSCAT2251
2004-12-26 02:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

OMAN ONLINE: DRUG USE, WORK IN IRAQ, AND HINDUS IN OMAN

Tags:  KPAO SOCI MU 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 002251 

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: DRUG USE, WORK IN IRAQ, AND HINDUS IN OMAN

UNCLAS MUSCAT 002251

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: DRUG USE, WORK IN IRAQ, AND HINDUS IN OMAN


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:

--- Drug use/trafficking in Oman
--- Ministry of Manpower Warns against Iraq
--- Hindus in Oman

End summary.

--------------
High On Oman
--------------


2. Al-Sablah members expressed concern that the government may
not be doing enough to control drug trafficking in Oman. One
member stated, "We wonder what steps the government is taking to
control drug trafficking and use." Another urged the government
to "initiate a media campaign to warn the public of the dangers
of drug use and explain how one becomes addicted." Still another
wrote, "There should be strategies to treat drug addicts." Other
participants stated that the drug problem in Oman is not hard
drugs, but the use of household items to get high. One Al-Sablah
subscriber commented, "The use of things like medicine, perfumes,
creams, and body lotions to escape reality is of most concern
here in Oman."

--------------
No To Jobs In Iraq
--------------


3. The Ministry of Manpower recently published notices in the
major dailies warning Omanis that the high level of violence in
Iraq made it inadvisable to travel to that country in search of
employment. An Al-Sablah subscriber commented on the notice, "We
appreciate the Ministry's deep concern for our lives, but we ask
ourselves why are many Omanis attracted to the offers of work in
Iraq." Some members doubted that any Omanis would be willing to
go to Iraq, while others stated, "Traveling to Iraq would be an
act of infidels." According to one participant, "Anyone that
goes to Iraq to work with coalition forces should be ashamed of
himself for supporting the crusaders against Muslims." Others
supported the announcement writing, "Any step taken by the
Ministry to save the lives of Omanis should be supported."

--------------
Integrating Hindus
--------------


4. Al-Sablah also raised the issue of Hindu expatriates in Oman.
"How can we allow ourselves to live with Hindus and permit them
to build temples in our country?" asked one participant. Another
subscriber stated, "Hindus are not loyal to their own
communities. If they were, they would not have emigrated to our
shores. If they obtain Omani nationality, they will not be loyal
to this country." However, a majority of the participants
expressed sympathy for Hindu expatriates by stating, "These
people left India a long time ago. They have integrated
themselves into Omani society." Another member wrote, "In most
regions you will find Hindus and Omanis coming together to
celebrate weddings and mourn at funerals. Surely, they are part
of this society." Other writers commented, "Hindus are very
efficient and hardworking. Their shops are open from the early
morning to late at night, and you do not have to worry about them
cheating you."

BALTIMORE