Oman’s Low-Key Diplomatic Strength

Middle East Policy Council

Much has been made of the new diplomatic role of Turkey in the Middle East.  However, the recent release of American Sarah Shourd from Evin prison in Iran – brokered by the Sultanate of Oman – has highlighted the unobtrusive diplomatic prowess of Muscat. Oman’s ability to maintain good relations with both Washington and Tehran places it in an ideal position to broker further contact between the Islamic Republic and the West.  Engaging Iran by way of Omani diplomacy could allow the U.S. to quietly negotiate issues without the bellicose rhetoric that has defined Iranian-U.S. relations as of late.  For more on Oman’s role in the release of Sarah Shourd, and the implications for future Omani diplomacy, see:

Oman in Rare Spotlight after Bail Deal with Iran

Associated Press

Oman’s royal leaders have long preferred the understated approach: No high-rises like their Gulf neighbours and policies that quietly balance close ties with both Washington and Tehran.

Now their role as the middlemen — and maybe even the money men — to free American Sarah Shourd from Iranian custody has drawn rare attention to the sultanate and its role as low-key diplomat. . . .

There has been little official explanation about Oman’s role in Shourd’s release, except for a Foreign Ministry statement thanking Iran and expressing hope for future steps aimed at repairing relations between Washington and Tehran. President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton both thanked Oman for its assistance.

>  Read the full article at Gulf in the Media