A Wise Man of the Persian Gulf

The presentation of S. N. Plekhanov's book A Reformer on the Throne. The Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said, went off at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman. The book portrays the life of a statesman who, within a generation or two, has led his country to the heights of modern civilization right out of the Middle Ages.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur has been the ruler of Oman since 1970. At the time he came to power, the political and social conditions prevailing in the country were described as a catastrophe. Sultan Qaboos undertook resolute measures to introduce a program of reforms, which later would make up a basis for the country's democratic development. The religion of Islam turned out to be a great help for the regime that embarked on the road of dynamic growth. The way covered by the sultanate along the road of modernization within 33 years is impressive, sums up the author. The changes that have occurred within the short span of time are truly wondrous. Oman has become an oasis of progress and stability. What the sultanate has achieved is the best corroboration of the theory, according to which in a traditional society economic and political reforms implemented under strict government control can produce quick positive results. The adoption of a Constitution was another convincing confirmation of the fact that democratic reforms are taking root in Oman's legal system and society. The monarchy of Oman has proved to be successful not only in economic reforms, but also in forming and following an independent line of foreign policy.
Today Oman is one of the wealthiest states in the Middle East, a country with excellent roads, luxurious hotels, ultramodern buildings and sports facilities. Being remarkable for its hospitality, the country combines age-old traditional ways with up-to-date technological achievements. The country's prosperity, high living and social security standards of its population are the cornerstones of stability of Oman's state system and ruling regime.
Taking part in the presentation of the book were the Ambassador of Oman Mohamed Said Mohamed al-Lawati and Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister A. V. Saltanov. All those present were unanimous in their judgment: the book A Reformer on the Throne. The Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said carries rich material and gives a multi-aspect and comprehensive enough story of Oman's monarch and his subjects.

Natalya Arkhipenko
Photos by Aleksandr Bibik

The book was presented by its author S. N. Plekhanov.

Text of the book can be found here