US embassy cable - 04MUSCAT2292

UNCLAS MUSCAT 002292 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, SOCI, MU, Domestic Politics 
SUBJECT: OMAN'S VICTORIOUS DEFEAT 
 
 
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Summary 
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1. (SBU) The wave of public excitement cresting with Oman's 
unprecedented finish in a regional soccer tournament has 
boiled over into uncharacteristic manifestations of 
spontaneous crowds and flag-waving patriotism.  In a country 
bereft of past sports successes, the Gulf Cup tournament 
unleashed a seldom seen burst of national pride and 
enthusiasm.  In a carefully manicured society as Oman, the 
temporary relaxation of social norms has also fed some 
visions of a more political nature.  End summary. 
 
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A Strange New Feeling 
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2. (SBU) Against the frenzied backdrop of soccer, Omanis have 
found a unique - albeit brief - avenue of personal 
expression.  In all facets of life, Omanis great and humble 
have been engrossed with the recent Gulf Cup Finals, in which 
the Sultanate made a triumphant journey to the final match 
December 24 only to lose in a tense overtime penalty kick to 
Qatar.  It is not the match that Omanis are talking about 
now, but the public outbursts of expression that have led up 
to and followed the match. 
 
3. (U) In their exuberant celebrations over soccer, some 
Omanis found a tempting avenue to push social boundaries. 
Quiet streets, plain automobiles and sedate cafes gave way 
during the tournament to colorful endorsements for the Omani 
soccer team.  Public displays of expression normally 
prohibited, such as adorning one's car with stickers or 
flags, have become commonplace in the last few weeks; cafes 
have hosted large gatherings for the public to root their 
team on; and police have looked the other way as Omani youth 
precariously hanging out car windows squealed their tires 
down city streets.  The intoxicating feel of national fervor 
reached its peak upon the team's return to Muscat December 
25, as the city's main thoroughfare gave way to legions of 
fans who turned out to welcome their heroes home.  Government 
ministers, parliamentarians, and even the Sultan have heaped 
accolades and awards upon the team in the days following. 
 
4. (SBU) While this may sound like an average occurrence to 
patriotic Americans enured to sports success, most Omanis 
have never experienced the phenomenon of the past weeks in 
their entire lives.  (In 34 years, Oman never placed higher 
than 4th in this tournament of eight nations.  Its tiny 
Olympic teams have rarely won a medal.)  When the Sultan 
created the Ministry of Sports earlier this year, some Omani 
interlocutors hailed the initiative for its potential to 
forge a greater sense of national (vice tribal) identity. 
The oceans of Omani red, green and white banners evident of 
late indicate the theory is a sound one. 
 
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A Taste of Freedom 
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5. (SBU) But these paroxysms of libertarian behavior may have 
whetted other appetites.  One Omani dissident, with some 
hyperbole, posted on the Internet message board "Al Sablah" 
that the spontaneous public displays are "an achievement in 
expression for Oman, where citizens feel oppressed and 
depressed from all the chains of control imposed by the 
government."  Numerous respondents noted that, if Omanis can 
block traffic and close the roads in celebration, then maybe 
they can do it in protest as well.  A week later however, the 
cheers have faded and the flags have all been put away. 
Omanis have returned to their quiet-natured state while 
police once again enforce "civility" in the streets. 
 
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Comment 
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6. (SBU) The free-wheeling nature of the past weeks will 
likely stick in the minds of many young Omanis and possibly 
feed an appetite for similar experiences in the future. The 
Ministry of Sports is probably not the only Omani government 
institution pondering whether those