Oman: (‘Uman)

Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait frustrated Omani hopes for calm in the region after the turbulent years of the Iraqi-Iranian War. Oman, joining the US-led coalition, condemned the Iraqi invasion and expressed support for the Arab, Islamic, and international resolutions calling for the unconditional withdrawal of Iraq from Kuwait and the restoration of Kuwait’s ruling Al Sabah family. Omani-Iranian relations grew closer in all spheres in a manner unprecedented during the previous decade. Oman’s position in the anti-Iraqi coalition largely determined its behavior in the international arena. In a speech marking Oman’s national day on 18 November, Qabus announced plans to set up a new SCC within a year and move toward a more open system of government in the sultanate. Qabus presented the plan as “another step on the road to [political] participation serving the aspirations of the Omani people.”..