Omani Foreign Policy during the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Diplomacy of Positive Neutrality and its Regional and Impact 1970-2018

Abstract

It is noticed that the Omani policy during the era of Sultan Qaboos bin Said is characterized by its different features, regionally and internationally, with its historical roots. The Omani history and the distinctive geographical location of the Sultanate of Oman had an importance that was reflected in its foreign policy. In addition, there is no doubt that the three environments, internal, regional, and international, have their role, which is reflected in the decision-maker through interactions according to variables, circumstances, and the country’s interest. This policy is being adopted through calm dealings and a policy of positive neutrality, as well as balancing relations through diplomacy that pursues communication to achieve peace, through formulating a foreign policy that enables the country to employ its capabilities positively away from alliances and blocs, without siding with one group against another and standing between the parties at the same distance without discrimination. This is one of the most important factors for the success of Omani diplomacy. This study discussed the Omani foreign policy during the era of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the approach of positive neutrality through five chapters by analyzing this policy and its mechanism. The second chapter provided a historical overview of Oman and explained the beginning of the development of diplomacy and its foundations and constants. Chapter three discussed the Omani policy towards the Palestinian issue and the political position on the Camp David Treaty between Egypt and Israel, its consequences, the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, then the Arab Spring revolutions, and the Omani policy towards them. Chapter four discussed Oman’s accession to international organizations, the United Nations, the League of Arab States, and Omani policy within the framework of these organizations, then Omani relations with the major powers. Chapter five discussed the role of Omani mediations in bringing viewpoints closer together in the regional environment, which was represented by the Omani policy towards the Iran-Iraq war, the Omani policy during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and Omani diplomacy towards the Gulf crisis between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Emirates, and Egypt. In addition, the Omani role in the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear file, then the role of Sultan Qaboos in international peace and stability, and Sultan Haitham's accession after Sultan Qaboos's death, which was reflected in the smooth transfer of power.