Lions in the Path of Stability and Security: Oman's Response to Pressing Issues in the Middle East

摘要

Scholars and intelligence experts have identified numerous factors that contribute to instability and insecurity in the Middle East. These factors range from large youth populations to Islamic extremism. This thesis examines responses adopted by the Sultanate of Oman when faced with two structural sources of instability commonly found in the Middle East: overreliance on oil revenues and insurgency, in this case in the Dhofar region. The Omani solutions provide a model for ending rebellions, recognizing economic challenges, and developing a strategy for improving the standard of living for the population. The thesis will analyze the case of the Dhofar Rebellion from 1962-1975 and explain how Oman subdued the insurgency. It explains how the anti-government forces operated and what they demanded from Oman's ruler -- the Sultan. The work here will highlight the government's response to the insurgent attacks, first under Sultan Said bin Taimur and then the altered responses under his successor and current ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos. Changes in strategy introduced by Qaboos helped defeat the insurgent forces that had been operating in the country for nearly a decade. The analysis of the insurgency will draw upon theories of social mobilization to highlight the sources of social unrest as well as government responses to the threat. Oman dealt with this threat to its security during the same time it coped with an economy almost entirely dependent on oil revenue for its economic growth. The thesis reviews Oman's history with oil and compares it with other oil-producing nations. Next it determines how much Oman's non-oil economy sectors have grown or decreased since the discovery of oil. The thesis argues that the government is successfully diversifying its economy to decrease its dependence on oil production while investing its oil wealth in an educational system that can provide a work force capable of operating in a newly diversified economy.