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STRATFOR.com
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THE INTERNET SOURCE FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE
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Oman Opening Door to Closer Military Ties With U.S.
January 11, 2002
Summary
The government of Oman is cutting its defense budget and shifting more funds into social services as part of an effort to quell domestic opposition to its cooperation with the United States. Reducing the threat of unrest will clear the way for greater military ties with Washington, which may be considering further options in the region for conducting its campaign against terrorism.
Map Credit: Stratfor.com
Analysis
Oman, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, is adjusting its budget to reflect its assistance to Washington's war on terror. But the oil-rich sultanate is actually reducing defense funding and shifting the savings into social welfare programs, Middle East Newsline reported.
Unlike many other governments in the region, Oman's regime has faced relatively little domestic opposition to its relationship with the United States. This is largely due to strong oil revenues and an extremely tolerant local strain of Islam. Even so, it appears the Omani leadership is investing in preventative measures to keep a lid on unrest, knowing that Washington will guarantee its external security.
By addressing domestic security before it becomes an issue, Oman hopes to avoid the problems faced by neighboring Saudi Arabia, where extremist Muslims actively oppose the basing of U.S. military forces there. A pacified population will allow the Omani government to deepen its involvement with the U.S. military, which is likely re-examining its options in the anti-terror campaign.
Roughly the same size as Kansas, Oman depends on oil and gas revenues to support the government and its 2.6 million citizens. The ruling regime is very close to the United States and the United Kingdom. Washington has maintained a presence there for at least two decades, and British support was critical when Sultan Qaboos bin Said seized power from his father in 1970.
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(c) 2001 Stratfor, Inc.
Dan
Oman Opening Door to Closer Military Ties With U.S. . . .