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Subject
Prospects for political dissent in Oman.
Significance
Financial pressures present a serious challenge for Oman's political leadership. The government is seeking to manage the shift to sustainable economic growth by cutting subsidies and boosting employment, but there are fears of popular unrest, especially in the context of an upcoming leadership transition.
Impacts
A new sultan might face pressure to ‘take sides’ with the Saudi-Emirati bloc against Qatar and Iran, which would be unpopular at home.
Instability in neighbouring countries makes Omani reformers cautious, limiting their appetite for mass protests.
The elected Majlis al-Shura has become more activist since 2011, but there are no plans to strengthen it further to ward off dissent.
Keywords:
Oman,
ME/NAF,
Gulf states,
economy,
politics,
social,
corruption,
employment,
fiscal,
government,
opposition,
party,
protest,
education,
labour,
prices,
reform
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2018
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