OMAN ONLINE: KUWAITI PARLIAMENT VS. OMANI MAJLIS AL-

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000067 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP (TROBERTS),NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),NEA/P (FFINVER),IIP/G/NEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PGOV SOCI MU SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: KUWAITI PARLIAMENT VS. OMANI MAJLIS AL- SHURA ¶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 topic: -- A comparison between the Omani Majlis Al-Shura and the Kuwaiti Parliament End summary. -------------- Which System Rules? -------------- ¶2. An al-Sablah member began a discussion comparing Oman's Majlis Al-Shura with the Kuwaiti parliament by stating, "Although a lot of people criticize Kuwaiti foreign policy because of its support for the United States, it is clear that the country's strong internal policies have positively affected the daily lives of Kuwaitis." Another participant commented, "Despite the fact that there are several American bases in Kuwaiti territory -- giving the impression of strong U.S. influence -- the opposite is true. Anyone familiar with Kuwaiti culture and society knows that Kuwaitis are very much in control. Kuwaitis do everything possible to preserve their culture and society. For example, they prohibit bars and night clubs that serve alcohol." Other members mentioned, "On the other hand, Oman is relatively free from foreign influence, yet it permits the purchase and sell of alcohol." According to another al-Sablah participant, "Omani society is less strict because it is trying to project a sense of openness and tolerance for Westerners. This is the reason it permits things that are prohibited by Islam." ¶3. The al-Sablah member who initiated the conversation ended the discussion by stating, "The Omani government only allowed women to run for positions in the Majlis Al-Shura to please Westerners. It gave women the right to vote because it knows that the Majlis has no real power to change the country. However, in Kuwait, the parliament did not approve the participation of women in government, nor did it extend to women the right to vote. This is because the Kuwaiti parliament has real power. Parliament members have the power to effect change and are free to address all issues of concern to the country." BALTIMORE