Oman learnt ‘important lessons’

The protests in Oman, which some feel came at the right time, has opened up new vistas for a better tomorrow. “Oman has learned many important lessons from its ‘spring’ which although short lived had profound effects,” says Saeed Sultan Al Hashemi, who was one of the leading activists during sit-ins outside Majlis Asshura building in Muscat. “An intense wave of protests swept Oman, and as a result, the country has undergone changes on many levels — political, social and economic,” said the Omani writer. He further points out that in contrast to the revolutions in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, these protests (in Oman) did not call for the fall of the regime. “They were restricted to demands for social justice, improved living standards, political and constitutional reforms to fight corruption, freedom of speech and the division of powers.” Article continues below “People have spoken, as best as they could and the Sultan has responded as best as he could,” Al Hashemi said. However, he added, the new generation in Oman was waiting for a new dawn that would show the country how strong its constitutional, political and economic foundations are. “It is clear, from the protests, that people’s [Omanis] awareness of their rights and duties has deepened, along with their desire for a comprehensive programme of constitutional, economic, social, and political reform,” said Al Hashemi, who is a leading researcher. Justifying the protests and demands raised by the activists across the country, he said that proof of the importance and legitimacy of these demands was the swift and effective response by the Sultan. “Sultan Qaboos issued more than 40 decrees in less than a month, an unprecedented action in Oman over the past four decades,” he said. Al Hashemi believes the actions by the Sultan also showed his awareness of what was happening and his desire for reform. Khalid Al Safi Al Haribi, who heads the country’s only independent think tank Tawasul Oman, also echoes Al Hashemi’s sentiments. “The timely positive response from the highest level of leadership, His Majesty the Sultan, has proven to be on the same wave length as the demands of the public,” he told Gulf News. He also said that there was little doubt that the protests were much-needed medicines for Omani societies. “They may not have tasted sweet but our economy, and even our society is already feeling much better,” he believes. According to this political science graduate from West Virginia University major changes emerged from the protest and subsequent response from the ruler. “Now we have a more empowered citizen, a continuous stability, and gradual shift in the power centres,” he said. He also said that an empowered citizen and a responsive government create a balanced and civil discourse that guarantees stability. “Stability has become the most precious commodity after the uprisings in Arab societies and the Sultanate was able to gracefully nurture and maintain it.” He said that new relationships were formed due to the balance between the government as the executive branch, the Council of Oman as the legislative branch and the judiciary along with the media and civil societies. “Whether these new relationships will lead to more progress will depend on our ability to focus on our future and the public interest,” he added. Esmail Al Muqbali, who was a leading activist during the Sohar protests, suggests that the government should open more channels to interact with the common man. The protests were legitimate and government also responded with some reforms. “Some protesters believe that the government has done enough to satisfy their demands but there is also an opinion where people feel that more needs to be done,” he added. Al Muqbali wants freedom of speech and more powers for the shura and a long-term plan to manage growing unemployment among young Omanis.