Oman Prepares for Life Without Sultan Qaboos

The security and stability of Oman over the past four decades — a relative rarity in the sultanate following the collapse of slavery and the rise of steam power — can largely be attributed to the enlightened rule of one man: Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Concerns over Qaboos' health, coupled with the lack of a clearly defined succession plan, place doubts over Oman's continued stability after the sultan's death. The sultanate is in the midst of gradual but deliberate social and political reforms as a response to Omani citizens' demands for greater government accountability. 

Lebanese media reported Aug. 17 that the Sultan was gravely ill — claims that the Royal Court in Muscat was quick to deny. But Qaboos has been in Germany since July 10 for an extended period of medical tests and treatment, again casting doubt over the longevity of the 73-year-old ruler.