Based on years of firsthand research, Marc Valeri treats the political career of Sultan Qaboos as a case study of the social and political mechanisms that perpetuate authoritarianism in post-colonial states. He examines the way in which Sultan Qaboos built and constantly renewed his base in order to meet internal and external challenges to his power. Valeri also considers what happens when one part of this model, namely an oil-rent economy, falters, and the privileges enjoyed by half the population are no longer tenable. Expanding his focus beyond the state of Oman, Valeri then evaluates the strategies adopted and challenges faced by other Arab monarchies in Morocco, Jordan, and the Persian Gulf.

This is an examination of the political, economic and social development of Oman from the accession Sultan Qaboos in a palace coup in 1970 to the promulation of the basic law of 1996. The book argues that the sultanate does not follow the "rentier" model but the patriarchal tradition.

Numerous metallic artefacts, deposited in a hoard in ancient times, came to light by chance on the campus of the Sultan Qaboos University in Al Khawd, Sultanate of Oman. Mostly fashioned from copper, these objects compare well with numerous documented artefact classes from south-eastern Arabia assigned to the Early Iron Age (1200–300 BCE).

Explores the social, cultural, legal and religious changes that occurred in Oman during the reign of Sultan Qaboos

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the few "good news" stories to have emerged from the Middle East in recent memory. This book traces the narrative of a little-known and relatively stable Arab country whose history of independence, legacy of interaction with diverse cultures, and enlightened modern leadership have transformed it in less than fifty years from an isolated medieval-style potentate to a stable, dynamic, and largely optimistic country. At the heart of this fascinating story is Oman’s sultan, Qaboos bin Sa’id, friend to both East and West, whose unique leadership style has resulted in both domestic and foreign policy achievements during more than four decades in office. Exploring Oman from a historical perspective, Funsch examines how the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernization has enabled it to succeed while others in the region have failed. Accounts of the author’s own experiences with Oman’s transformation add rich layers of depth, texture, and personality to the narrative.

The ideal introduction to the history of modern Oman from the eighteenth century to the present, this book combines the most recent scholarship on Omani history with insights drawn from a close analysis of the politics and international relations of contemporary Oman. Jeremy Jones and Nicholas Ridout offer a distinctive new approach to Omani history, building on post-colonial thought and integrating the study of politics and culture. The book addresses key topics including Oman's historical cosmopolitanism, the distinctive role of Omani Islam in the country's social and political life, Oman's role in the global economy of the nineteenth century, insurrection and revolution in the twentieth century, the role of Sultan Qaboos in the era of oil and Oman's unique regional and diplomatic perspective on contemporary issues.

The best country-by-country assessment of human rights. The human rights records of more than ninety countries and territories are put into perspective in Human Rights Watch's signature yearly report. Reflecting extensive investigative work undertaken by Human Rights Watch staff, in close partnership with domestic human rights activists, the annual World Report is an invaluable resource for journalists, diplomats, and citizens, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the fight to protect human rights in every corner of the globe.

Visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a 'must do' on any visit to Oman. This walking tour takes you through the mosque and its grounds, giving insights into its design and the artists who created this superlative building. Tony Walsh, the author, has written extensively about Oman and operated a tour company in Oman from 1995. The guide is written for a layperson who is interested in understanding the background of this remarkable building. C o n t e n t s Chapter 1 ISLAM Page 1 Chapter 2 MOSQUES Page 5 Chapter 3 HISTORY OF THE SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE Page 11 Chapter 4 VISITING THE SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE Page 13 Chapter 5 THE GARDENS Page 19 Chapter 6 SOUTH COURTYARD Page 23 Chapter 7 THE MEN'S MUSALLA (Prayer Room) Page 29 Chapter 8 CENTRAL COURTYARD Page 41 Chapter 9 RIWAQS Page 43 Chapter 10 WOMEN'S PRAYER ROOM Page 52

An account of the first crossing of the Omani desert by motorcar, as Jan Morris accompanied the Sultan on his royal progress, with the winds of change - oil and revolution - in the background.