Oman's renaissance man faces Iran, succession tensions

The sultanate’s neutrality in the increasingly tense stand-off between Saudi Arabia and Iran complicates relations with its Arab Gulf neighbours

On 23 July 1970, Sultan Qaboos—a graduate of Sandhurst, a British military college—overthrew his father in a bloodless coup. Oman at that time was backward in terms of basic infrastructure, education, social services and other 20th century amenities. The new, young head of state set about modernising the country. Sultan Qaboos has been steering his nation, singlehandedly, throughout the 48 years since then. His influence on the country is so overwhelming (he occupies all the key posts in cabinet) that Omanis can't imagine a future without him. While lengthy spells of medical treatment abroad appear to have been successful, a day will inevitably come when the country has to contemplate a new