US embassy cable - 05MUSCAT852

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000852 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD, NEA/P, IIP/G/NEA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, SOCI, MU, Public Affairs 
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: WISHING FOR REFORM; MOANING ABOUT MINISTER; 
RESPECT FOR U.S. OPENNESS 
 
REF: 04 MUSCAT 1904 
 
1. Summary:  The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and 
"al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- 
language fora for political and social discourse in the country, 
touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the 
conventional media.  While not totally free, nor wholly 
reflective of Omani public opinion, these popular sites 
nevertheless offer a worthwhile window into the hot topics and 
unvarnished views of the day.  This edition of Oman Online 
contains the following topics: 
 
-- Requested Reforms in Oman 
-- Criticism and Support of the Minister of Social Development 
-- Grudging Admiration for George Galloway's Senate Hearings 
 
End summary. 
 
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Wish Lists 
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2. The most vigorous discussion this week in al-Sablah was 
triggered by the following question: "What can the Sultanate do 
to match the wave of reforms in other countries around the 
world?"  Al-Sablah members quickly came up with a list of over 40 
reforms they would like to see in Oman.  Many of the requested 
reforms centered on democracy and justice.  "A democratic 
government in shape and content," "Ensuring freedom of 
expression," "An elected Prime Minister and parliament," and 
"Separation of powers between the legislative, legal, and 
executive branches" were just some of the suggestions. 
 
3. Other participants based their demands on social and cultural 
needs.  "Lowering expenditures on security and defense," 
"Reforming the health care system and upgrading its performance," 
and "Increasing respect for women in public places" were all 
advanced as possible reform areas.  Others took a moral tack, 
advocating for "Banning alcohol and bars," "Closing nightclubs," 
and "Banning co-ed schools." 
 
4. One member clearly felt that some reforms had already 
progressed too far in Oman.  This member pleaded, "Stop rushing 
to give women ministerial positions!" 
 
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Back And Forth On Omani Minister 
-------------------------------- 
 
5. Dr. Sharifa Al-Yahyaia, appointed as the Minister of Social 
Development last year, occasionally acts as a lightning rod for 
al-Sablah discussions (reftel).  The Minister, who holds a Ph.D. 
in Arabic poetry and is young by Omani ministerial standards, was 
accused of not possessing the necessary professional experience 
to run the ministry.  "She is not consistent with her decisions 
in the ministry; once she approves something, she cancels it the 
following day," complained one writer.  Another noted, "This lady 
has removed all the leaders and experienced personnel who served 
for many years under the former Minister of Social Development." 
However, a number of contributors rushed to the Minister's 
defense.  "Removing experienced but ineffective officials is not 
a bad thing.  If they were let go, it means they did not do 
anything to develop and enhance the social security of Omanis," 
countered one member.  Others wrote, "We hope that she uses logic 
and wisdom in her decisions.  We should support and guide her, 
not blame her." 
 
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Silver Lining For Galloway Hearings 
----------------------------------- 
 
6. Many al-Sablah members watched the Senate hearings of British 
MP George Galloway with interest.  Some felt that Galloway 
emerged with the upper hand: "Galloway was very clever in his 
responses.  He maneuvered through the tricky questions, and 
intelligently revealed the scandals of the Americans themselves." 
Interestingly, many respondents took the opportunity to praise 
the U.S. for the open coverage of the hearings themselves. 
"Despite everything the Americans do, we must admire the 
transparency shown by their media," offered one writer.  Another 
said, "Just imagine, they showed the entire hearing without 
censoring it.  This simply wouldn't happen in an Arab country." 
Capturing the ambivalent nature of the debate, one member opined, 
"If Galloway were Arab, he wouldn't have had the opportunity to 
appear before Congress; however, I admire the democratic process 
and the freedom of expression that were displayed in these 
hearings." 
 
STEWART