Historically the British were part and parcel of our political process for well over three centuries. Not only that, in numerous times they came to our aid when insurgents reared their ugly heads. I.e. Buraimi 1955/Jabal Akhdar 1959/Dhofar 65/75. Just to mention few.

We had British Political Agents/British Resident/British Consul/Consul General etc that was through out the centuries advising our rulers one way or the other. Now we have the British Ambassador to the Sultanate. It is naïve to ignore any political comment or pronouncement that comes out of them for reasons I mentioned above.

Anyone who has read the Omani political history might/might not concur with the above thought. Therefore any political comment by a British Ambassador to the Sultanate carries a heavy weight. Doctor Noel Guckian, who is the current Ambassador, had the following to say while being interviewed by Hubert Vaz of Times of Oman in an article that appeared on 13/04/07.

"How do you see Oman a decade from now?

Answer, I see it as a country that is going to develop both POLITICALLY and economically, in an incremental sought of way. With growth of DEMOCRACY and more approach to ISSUES. I also see the MAJLIS HAVING MORE POWER than it does now."

Folks, what is your take on the above?

Political words full of diplomacy !!! Likewise whenever you go in any country and you are the guest suerly you will praise that government .

Now which Majlis is he refereing to ?

I think he is referring to Majlis "alshura".
What he has said I don't think has a historical extent to the British influence in Oman. It is merely a diplomatic way of expressing his opinion to see a more democratic Oman.

What does ISSUES means?

I think he might be referring to open discussions to matters of public interest such as education, health system, criminal procedure and human rights. He might mean as well matters of gays and lesbians, abortion and on.

Hmmm that would be interesting since I know Oman dont show much its drawbacks ( which is good in a way) but gays and lesbians, abortion??? And education, health system, criminal procedure and human rights ? Well who sets them ?

Depends what country and political system you talking about.
In democratic countries it is set by representative parliament.
In Oman and other non-democratic systems it is set by one man in power, in our case, his majesty.

Is it possible to have the link to the complete article to understand its tone
Thanks

Is it possible to have the link to the complete article to understand its tone
Thanks

I read it from hard copy of the newspaper [times of Oman] on a new pull out magazine called "Hi" they introduced recently. Please find the friday 13/04/07 issue and read the whole interview.

What does ISSUES means?

Transparency
Good governance
Human rights
Accountability
Corruption
Unemployment
Inflation
Security
Etc

Wow! I see what's going on here. It's a way to say something without saying it. Fascinating to see it happening live...

It's the old problem: how do you say things that you aren't allowed to say?

Wow! I see what's going on here. It's a way to say something without saying it. Fascinating to see it happening live...

It's the old problem: how do you say things that you aren't allowed to say?

What is it you are Disallowed to say Jeff?

For one Free Press !!! Mti

What is it you are Disallowed to say Jeff?

It's not what I'm allowed to say, it's what others are not allowed to say. And I think you of all people know perfectly well what I'm talking about.

But how can I say it? It's not allowed on this forum... That's why these issues are being discussed in this way...

Transparency
Good governance
Human rights
Accountability
Corruption
Unemployment
Inflation
Security
Etc

Jeff
I think these are the issues more or less and you are allowed to talk about them as per Omani law.
There might be some that want you to believe that here there's no freedom.
They're liars.

I DO believe you can talk about them! That's why they are openly listed. But it's the WAY you talk about them that counts.

No, I know there is a great deal of freedom of speech in Oman even though it's not absolute. I'm a great admirer of both Oman and its wise Sultan.

I know you well enough to know also that you wouldn't come here and say "oh this is corrupted, that is bad guy"
Wouldn't make sense also
Facts need to be backed up with data and that's what we're missing maybe
I think the key element in that list is transparency : from that, comes all the rest

I like to say that there's a limited freedom here but is better than nothing :)
There's the culture of gossip which is terrible

It is strictly forbidden to disrespect His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Omani Government, its representatives and its policies. Mockery will not be allowed. It is the right of the administration and the moderators to remove a thread if they find the content insulting or sensitive.

Constructive criticism is not desrespect
Am sure adm knows :cute: