SULTAN QABOOS' TOUR D'HORIZON

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 000204 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/RA, AND INR/B E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL OPRC PTER ETRD PINR ELAB MU SUBJECT: SULTAN QABOOS' TOUR D'HORIZON -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Omani dailies gave extensive coverage on February 12 to a wide-ranging interview Sultan Qaboos granted to the influential Kuwaiti newspaper Al Siyasa ("Politics"). The Sultan shared his vision of Oman, his leadership principles, and his quest to balance the modern with the traditional in the country's development. He cited both his openness with the Omani people and the public's rejection of terrorism as elements that contribute to his personal safety and the country's stability. Local reaction to the Sultan's interview was overwhelmingly positive. End summary. -------------- A Rare Interview, Frank Insights -------------- ¶2. (U) On February 11, two months after publishing his lengthy interview with Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi, owner and editor-in-chief of the Kuwaiti daily "Al Siyasa" Ahmad al-Jarallah enjoyed a lengthy exchange with Sultan Qaboos. The Sultan's comments (full text available at www.timesofoman.com) addressed political, economic, social and religious themes; none of the questions delved into particularly controversial topics. Among the Sultan's insights: On leadership: -- "All my efforts are for the people of Oman.... I always interact with (them). This is the main reason behind their loyalty." -- "(T)he majority of Omanis share with me the same vision... when I sit and discuss (with them). I feel they have the same aspirations, desires and picture that I have for this country and its people." -- "When a leader is feared by his people..., he is destined to be surrounded by hypocrites who glorify his misdeeds.... He will then lose the company of reformers and advisers. No wise or normal leader looks forward to following such a path." -- He added that there should be discipline, but not to the point of frightening citizens. On national security: -- "Our national security has never been risked.... Maybe God is satisfied with what is in my heart; that's why we are always protected by the Almighty.... As you see, I do not surround myself with any extraordinary security precautions." -- "I warned our people against terrorism and the misuse of religious texts. The good Omani soil has rejected such detestable and poisonous plants." Extremism can be defeated by tolerant religion and peaceful dialogue. On foreign policy: -- "There are some who talk about affairs which are of no concern to them, but we in Oman do not follow this style as we have lots of tasks which fill our time." -- "I am completely dedicated to Omani affairs. We believe in the proverb: 'May God have mercy upon him who realizes his limits and sticks to them.'" On the media: -- "I hate exaggeration and I direct the media organizations... to be simple and concise when shedding light on (government) achievements. I am one of those who believe that actions speak louder than words, so let people see things as they are." On the economy: -- "I feel we should increase the openness (to tourism), provided the Omani heritage and culture are safeguarded. We have resorted to gradual openness...(as) we should always remember that whatever comes easily goes easily.... Oman has placed itself on the tourism map." -- "We have profitable investment flow from Japan, the US, South Korea, Germany and several Gulf states." -- "We don't want factories and companies to employ anyone who is not willing to work. I currently focus on training Omanis and preparing them to enter the labor market, and I don't want any of my subjects to get disgusted with any job except those which violate morals." -- "(W)e should remember that the term "globalization" appeared in our Holy Quran long before.... The most important point is to be capable of exporting and importing... in a way which ensures our interests and the interests of others." -------------- Positive Reactions -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Editorials on February 12 and 13 in leading Omani dailies (both Arabic and English-language) were effusive in their praise for the Sultan's vision and policies. Reactions posted on the popular Internet message board "al-Sablah" were also heavily positive. The few critical comments suggested it might be hypocritical of the Sultan to speak of his openness to the Omani people when he "never" gives interviews to Omani papers. Others noted that the Sultan's claim to modest security precautions is contradicted by his armed motorcades with helicopter coverage. BALTIMORE