OMAN'S VICTORIOUS DEFEAT

UNCLAS MUSCAT 002292 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM SOCI MU SUBJECT: OMAN'S VICTORIOUS DEFEAT -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The wave of public excitement cresting with Oman's unprecedented finish in a regional soccer tournament has boiled over into uncharacteristic manifestations of spontaneous crowds and flag-waving patriotism. In a country bereft of past sports successes, the Gulf Cup tournament unleashed a seldom seen burst of national pride and enthusiasm. In a carefully manicured society as Oman, the temporary relaxation of social norms has also fed some visions of a more political nature. End summary. -------------- A Strange New Feeling -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Against the frenzied backdrop of soccer, Omanis have found a unique - albeit brief - avenue of personal expression. In all facets of life, Omanis great and humble have been engrossed with the recent Gulf Cup Finals, in which the Sultanate made a triumphant journey to the final match December 24 only to lose in a tense overtime penalty kick to Qatar. It is not the match that Omanis are talking about now, but the public outbursts of expression that have led up to and followed the match. ¶3. (U) In their exuberant celebrations over soccer, some Omanis found a tempting avenue to push social boundaries. Quiet streets, plain automobiles and sedate cafes gave way during the tournament to colorful endorsements for the Omani soccer team. Public displays of expression normally prohibited, such as adorning one's car with stickers or flags, have become commonplace in the last few weeks; cafes have hosted large gatherings for the public to root their team on; and police have looked the other way as Omani youth precariously hanging out car windows squealed their tires down city streets. The intoxicating feel of national fervor reached its peak upon the team's return to Muscat December 25, as the city's main thoroughfare gave way to legions of fans who turned out to welcome their heroes home. Government ministers, parliamentarians, and even the Sultan have heaped accolades and awards upon the team in the days following. ¶4. (SBU) While this may sound like an average occurrence to patriotic Americans enured to sports success, most Omanis have never experienced the phenomenon of the past weeks in their entire lives. (In 34 years, Oman never placed higher than 4th in this tournament of eight nations. Its tiny Olympic teams have rarely won a medal.) When the Sultan created the Ministry of Sports earlier this year, some Omani interlocutors hailed the initiative for its potential to forge a greater sense of national (vice tribal) identity. The oceans of Omani red, green and white banners evident of late indicate the theory is a sound one. -------------- A Taste of Freedom -------------- ¶5. (SBU) But these paroxysms of libertarian behavior may have whetted other appetites. One Omani dissident, with some hyperbole, posted on the Internet message board "Al Sablah" that the spontaneous public displays are "an achievement in expression for Oman, where citizens feel oppressed and depressed from all the chains of control imposed by the government." Numerous respondents noted that, if Omanis can block traffic and close the roads in celebration, then maybe they can do it in protest as well. A week later however, the cheers have faded and the flags have all been put away. Omanis have returned to their quiet-natured state while police once again enforce "civility" in the streets. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The free-wheeling nature of the past weeks will likely stick in the minds of many young Omanis and possibly feed an appetite for similar experiences in the future. The Ministry of Sports is probably not the only Omani government institution pondering whether those