Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05MUSCAT852
2005-05-25 13:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:
OMAN ONLINE: WISHING FOR REFORM; MOANING ABOUT MINISTER;
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000852
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, IIP/G/NEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SOCI MU
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: WISHING FOR REFORM; MOANING ABOUT MINISTER;
RESPECT FOR U.S. OPENNESS
REF: 04 MUSCAT 1904
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000852
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, IIP/G/NEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SOCI MU
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: WISHING FOR REFORM; MOANING ABOUT MINISTER;
RESPECT FOR U.S. OPENNESS
REF: 04 MUSCAT 1904
1. Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and
"al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-
language fora 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, these popular sites
nevertheless offer a worthwhile window into the hot topics and
unvarnished views of the day. This edition of Oman Online
contains the following topics:
-- Requested Reforms in Oman
-- Criticism and Support of the Minister of Social Development
-- Grudging Admiration for George Galloway's Senate Hearings
End summary.
--------------
Wish Lists
--------------
2. The most vigorous discussion this week in al-Sablah was
triggered by the following question: "What can the Sultanate do
to match the wave of reforms in other countries around the
world?" Al-Sablah members quickly came up with a list of over 40
reforms they would like to see in Oman. Many of the requested
reforms centered on democracy and justice. "A democratic
government in shape and content," "Ensuring freedom of
expression," "An elected Prime Minister and parliament," and
"Separation of powers between the legislative, legal, and
executive branches" were just some of the suggestions.
3. Other participants based their demands on social and cultural
needs. "Lowering expenditures on security and defense,"
"Reforming the health care system and upgrading its performance,"
and "Increasing respect for women in public places" were all
advanced as possible reform areas. Others took a moral tack,
advocating for "Banning alcohol and bars," "Closing nightclubs,"
and "Banning co-ed schools."
4. One member clearly felt that some reforms had already
progressed too far in Oman. This member pleaded, "Stop rushing
to give women ministerial positions!"
--------------
Back And Forth On Omani Minister
--------------
5. Dr. Sharifa Al-Yahyaia, appointed as the Minister of Social
Development last year, occasionally acts as a lightning rod for
al-Sablah discussions (reftel). The Minister, who holds a Ph.D.
in Arabic poetry and is young by Omani ministerial standards, was
accused of not possessing the necessary professional experience
to run the ministry. "She is not consistent with her decisions
in the ministry; once she approves something, she cancels it the
following day," complained one writer. Another noted, "This lady
has removed all the leaders and experienced personnel who served
for many years under the former Minister of Social Development."
However, a number of contributors rushed to the Minister's
defense. "Removing experienced but ineffective officials is not
a bad thing. If they were let go, it means they did not do
anything to develop and enhance the social security of Omanis,"
countered one member. Others wrote, "We hope that she uses logic
and wisdom in her decisions. We should support and guide her,
not blame her."
--------------
Silver Lining For Galloway Hearings
--------------
6. Many al-Sablah members watched the Senate hearings of British
MP George Galloway with interest. Some felt that Galloway
emerged with the upper hand: "Galloway was very clever in his
responses. He maneuvered through the tricky questions, and
intelligently revealed the scandals of the Americans themselves."
Interestingly, many respondents took the opportunity to praise
the U.S. for the open coverage of the hearings themselves.
"Despite everything the Americans do, we must admire the
transparency shown by their media," offered one writer. Another
said, "Just imagine, they showed the entire hearing without
censoring it. This simply wouldn't happen in an Arab country."
Capturing the ambivalent nature of the debate, one member opined,
"If Galloway were Arab, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to
appear before Congress; however, I admire the democratic process
and the freedom of expression that were displayed in these
hearings."
STEWART
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, IIP/G/NEA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SOCI MU
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: WISHING FOR REFORM; MOANING ABOUT MINISTER;
RESPECT FOR U.S. OPENNESS
REF: 04 MUSCAT 1904
1. Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and
"al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-
language fora 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, these popular sites
nevertheless offer a worthwhile window into the hot topics and
unvarnished views of the day. This edition of Oman Online
contains the following topics:
-- Requested Reforms in Oman
-- Criticism and Support of the Minister of Social Development
-- Grudging Admiration for George Galloway's Senate Hearings
End summary.
--------------
Wish Lists
--------------
2. The most vigorous discussion this week in al-Sablah was
triggered by the following question: "What can the Sultanate do
to match the wave of reforms in other countries around the
world?" Al-Sablah members quickly came up with a list of over 40
reforms they would like to see in Oman. Many of the requested
reforms centered on democracy and justice. "A democratic
government in shape and content," "Ensuring freedom of
expression," "An elected Prime Minister and parliament," and
"Separation of powers between the legislative, legal, and
executive branches" were just some of the suggestions.
3. Other participants based their demands on social and cultural
needs. "Lowering expenditures on security and defense,"
"Reforming the health care system and upgrading its performance,"
and "Increasing respect for women in public places" were all
advanced as possible reform areas. Others took a moral tack,
advocating for "Banning alcohol and bars," "Closing nightclubs,"
and "Banning co-ed schools."
4. One member clearly felt that some reforms had already
progressed too far in Oman. This member pleaded, "Stop rushing
to give women ministerial positions!"
--------------
Back And Forth On Omani Minister
--------------
5. Dr. Sharifa Al-Yahyaia, appointed as the Minister of Social
Development last year, occasionally acts as a lightning rod for
al-Sablah discussions (reftel). The Minister, who holds a Ph.D.
in Arabic poetry and is young by Omani ministerial standards, was
accused of not possessing the necessary professional experience
to run the ministry. "She is not consistent with her decisions
in the ministry; once she approves something, she cancels it the
following day," complained one writer. Another noted, "This lady
has removed all the leaders and experienced personnel who served
for many years under the former Minister of Social Development."
However, a number of contributors rushed to the Minister's
defense. "Removing experienced but ineffective officials is not
a bad thing. If they were let go, it means they did not do
anything to develop and enhance the social security of Omanis,"
countered one member. Others wrote, "We hope that she uses logic
and wisdom in her decisions. We should support and guide her,
not blame her."
--------------
Silver Lining For Galloway Hearings
--------------
6. Many al-Sablah members watched the Senate hearings of British
MP George Galloway with interest. Some felt that Galloway
emerged with the upper hand: "Galloway was very clever in his
responses. He maneuvered through the tricky questions, and
intelligently revealed the scandals of the Americans themselves."
Interestingly, many respondents took the opportunity to praise
the U.S. for the open coverage of the hearings themselves.
"Despite everything the Americans do, we must admire the
transparency shown by their media," offered one writer. Another
said, "Just imagine, they showed the entire hearing without
censoring it. This simply wouldn't happen in an Arab country."
Capturing the ambivalent nature of the debate, one member opined,
"If Galloway were Arab, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to
appear before Congress; however, I admire the democratic process
and the freedom of expression that were displayed in these
hearings."
STEWART