OMAN ONLINE: MERCY AND MISSILES

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000972 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, IIP/G/NEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PREL SOCI MNUC IR MU SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: MERCY AND MISSILES REF: MUSCAT 950 ¶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: -- Sultan Qaboos' Pardons -- Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program End summary. -------------- Pardon Me -------------- ¶2. Sultan Qaboos' June 9 decree pardoning the thirty-one Ibadhi Muslims convicted of belonging to a secret organization and seeking to overthrow the government was hailed by Oman's media (reftel),and al-Sablah members quickly joined the fray. Most respondents expressed jubilation at the decision; one member exclaimed, "We have come to expect this generosity from our great leader. May God protect and save him!" ¶3. Other participants were less exuberant. One cautious contributor wrote, "We should note that this is not a victory over the Sultan or over the government. Rather, it is the result of wise politicians, recognizing the divisions that exist in Omani society." Still others felt a sense of vindication, including one member who declared, "We knew that the convicted shaikhs and scholars were honest. They are role models for our country; how could they possibly endanger their own people?" -------------- Persian Plutonium -------------- ¶4. The issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions, sparked by the visit of Iran's top nuclear negotiator Dr. Hassan Rohani, produced an energetic discussion among al-Sablah members, with many individuals voicing their suspicion of American intentions. One writer commented, "Iran is not Iraq, and the Americans should think strategically before making a move against Tehran. But we should not ignore the Americans' warnings." Another member argued, "Nobody believes the play-acting between Iran and the United States anymore; America has been shaking its fist at Iran since the revolution, while Iran dreams of having a larger slice of the Arab pie." There was widespread agreement, however, on the dangers of a nuclear-armed Iran: "We do not want any country to build nuclear weapons, but especially Iran because it is so close to Omani soil." BALTIMORE