By Samar Al-Mugrin
In view of my interest in journalism and culture, I closely follow the developments in the Arab World. But it is Oman that has drawn my attention the most. It was not due to the news and views that I always followed on websites, but to the spellbinding, high-class, balanced and cultured topics discussed. They add a variety of new and interesting information to the reader’s knowledge.
Even at the level of websites, since a few days I have experienced a boom in the number of forums. I used to visit the Omani forums daily. Although I did not participate in them, I followed them with great admiration. They were devoid of any angry arguments and raising of voices. They were characterized by calm discussion and rational dialogue. All these give an impression on the Omani national and his cultural background and lifestyle.
If we view matters in a wider and more comprehensive context, we will find that this is the political ambience that we have known of the Sultanate of Oman.
The most prominent political event that took place in late 2015 was the founding of the Islamic Military Alliance to combat terror. It was established under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The alliance comprises 41 Islamic countries. There was a lot of talk in an attempt to explain the reason why Oman did not join this alliance. There were various explanations and predictions – oscillating between positive and negative outlooks.
However, after the passage of just one year since the establishment of the alliance, Oman joined it with all its political weight. It is, indeed, an important addition to the alliance. With this, it is replying to all the envious quarters. They were gleeful then that Oman was out of the fold of Gulf countries.
But it is not true that Oman was out of the fold of Gulf countries. As I mentioned earlier in my article, the Omanis are characterized as being a peace-loving people. By not joining the alliance at its inception, does not mean that Oman rejected it. It needed some time to ponder on the matter, plan and make pertinent decisions and arrangements.
In this connection, we cannot forget the role of the youth in this stage, that of Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense. It was he who made the decisions that tipped the scales in the region. All credit must go to deputy crown prince for his ability to convince the Omani side not to wait too long to join the alliance.
The Arab region is in a state of great tension, turmoil and concern. The political events and terrorist incidents that we see taking place around us in our neighboring countries necessitate that we have such an alliance.
The reason is that this alliance will give the Islamic, Arab and Gulf countries the strength to keep terror at bay, as it has wreaked havoc in the region. Therefore, we have the right to rejoice on our dear neighbor Oman joining the alliance. “Ahlan Oman!” (Welcome, Oman!).
