Oman: The True Life Drama & Intrigue of an Arab State

by John Beasant

The Sultante of Oman is a country often described as one of the most secretive in the world. Following ten years' residency there, John Beasant began to delve into the country's little-documented political history, paying particular attention to the Palace Coup of 1970 and the events which followed - a story which Edward Heath once commented would 'not be told in our lifetime'.





Beasant's research proved that Oman's much-touted period of 'Renaissance', peddled so furiously by the Sultanate's spin doctors, was merely a cosmetic facade of high-rise buildings and new roads, made possible by high oil revenues. A veil of self-serving secrecy concealed the reality that the governance of the Sultanate continued to be conducted along autocratic, medieval lines. The royal court contained a cabal of ex-military officers who not only fashioned a hold over the country's new ruler with a dominance that resembled their imperial predecessors', but also enriched themselves to such a degree that their conduct threatens to have a destabilising effect on the nation itself.





Beasant reveals a web of exploitation woven through all manner of political and commercial interests. He casts light on the dark practices so often involved in the sale of arms to Middle Eastern states and illustrates the political use to which the sale of 'black gold' - oil - can be put.





Oman is very much a parable of our times, detailing rivalry and intrigue between people in high places. It is one of the most dramatic tales in Arab a chronicle of personal pride, rapacious greed and undiluted lust for power.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2002

Reviews

[Malathy Garewal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an eye-opener on how geography and big countries influence the history of smaller nations. An intriguing study on the 1970 coup that is never talked about in Oman, the author squarely lays the blame for it onto the British involvement. I have always admired Sultan Qaboos, and this book increased my respect for him and for his father Said bin Taimur, currently a little-known figure in Oman.
The book is heavy-going at times, and could have been edited for better readability. That said, the author has presented facts in such a manner that it is the last chapter that holds the 'grand reveal', so that the reader's interest is held till the end of the book. And Goodness! The 'true reason' for the coup comes as a complete surprise.
A great read for understanding how international politics work and the serpentine labyrinth behind historic events!

[Rik Brooymans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a profoundly odd experience for me, as it was the first non-fiction book I've read that makes no attempt to disguise the giant axe it has to grind. I understand completely that no author is completely objective, but there is a massive difference between a light background bias in writing and the semi-propaganda put forth by Beasant. But as his argument is that the narrative in Oman has been driven by opposing propaganda, maybe he felt it the only way forward.

Regardless of the perspective with which it was written, this is still a very interesting book. More so, I feel, if you live and work in Oman. I've read a bunch of history on Oman and the time period covered here is generally not included in other books.