Bibi and sweets of Muscat
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“This is politics. It is to make way among corpses”
– Mario Vargas Llosa.
Some people including myself compare political terms to chemical equations. Every political issue can be compared to a chemical equation in terms of its core logic, not scientific appearance.
Here is a rule that is regarded as one of the most important aspects of a chemical equation because it enables a researcher to figure out the mass relations between the reacting substances and the resulting substances. To make a successful chemical calculation, there must be a balance between the substances on the two sides of the equation according to the law of conversion of mass. I think my dear reader is convinced about the relevance of chemistry and political analyses after reading the aforementioned rule.
According to official information announced during a breaking news, Sultan Qabous bin Saeed of Sultanate of Oman received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Barakah Palace located in Muscat. The reception was formal and broadcasted live on Omani TV channels. It was interesting that the Israeli-Omani summit was announced formally as through it was aimed to convey a message to specific parties in this inflamed region which is already laden with serious issues.
Back to chemistry, even though the equation is balanced, it is not subjected to the law of conversion of mass. I would like to highlight a regional issue and raise some questions concerning this matter that have not been overlooked by those who follow regional issues.
I would like to conduct a comprehensive study of the situation in light of the fact that Oman’s foreign policy is known for adopting neutral stances and mediating between conflicting parties. Oman is distinguished for its attitude to stay away from crises. It has always been known for its gravity and wisdom.
We remember the time when Arab countries boycotted Egypt during the era of the late Egyptian president Anwar Al-Sadat. Oman was the only country that did not boycott Egypt at that time. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the aircraft carrying the then Iraqi minister of Foreign Affairs used to land securely at Muscat Airport. Recently, Oman adopted a similar policy over the Gulf dispute by deciding to stay neutral.
Oman’s neutralism is often accepted and not considered strange in light of the respect for the privacy of Oman and its choice to adopt its preferred policy.
However, the visit of Netanyahu to Muscat came as a surprise because it seemed as though it was not planned in public. Nevertheless, I think the visit was preceded by regional and international approvals. Such approvals are not part of interference in the Omani affairs but of coordination with other parties.
What is certain is that such a visit sends the message that Oman has nothing to hide. It does in public what others do behind closed doors. We should not forget that Israel shares diplomatic relations with a number of Arab countries including countries that share borders with Israel. The situation therefore is not capable of bidding. One should not throw stones at others when his own house is made of glass.
A number of issues included in the Omani-Israeli talks have been revealed.
In my opinion, the war in Syria and the Iranian stance in opposition to the Israeli one are the topics of top priority along with the Arab-Israeli peace. Perhaps Oman is carrying a message from Iran. I think the agenda is too laden with political matters to make room for economic issues.
Nevertheless, I really do not know whether or not Netanyahu will like the delicious Omani sweets made with honey and saffron.
Twitter – @alzmi1969
By Yousef Awadh Al-Azmi
This news has been read 12922 times!
