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


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Summary
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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.

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A Strange New Feeling
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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.

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A Taste of Freedom
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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.

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Comment
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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