What happened?
Unprecedented protests erupted in Oman in February 2011, when thousands took to the streets to demand jobs and an end to corruption. The security forces initially tolerated the demonstrations, but when one in the town of Sohar became violent they used lethal force to disperse it. In May 2011, they broke up sit-ins in the capital Muscat, Sur and Salalah. The next month, 15 protesters from Sohar were sentenced to between six months and five years in prison.
Sultan Qaboos, who overthrew his father in 1970 and is the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East, responded to the unrest promising social and political reforms, including giving limited legislative and regulatory powers to the Shura Council.
But in May 2012, the authorities launched a crackdown on activists, writers and bloggers who criticised the slow pace of reform. More than 30 people were sentenced to between 12 and 18 months in prison after being convicted of charges such as "defaming the sultan".
In February 2013, the government sought to ease public discontent at unemployment and inadequate pay by announcing plans to limit the number of foreign workers and increase the minimum wage. The next month, Sultan Qaboos pardoned all the activists detained in 2012. In July, he pardoned all those jailed over the 2011 protests.
Where are we now?
With Oman's energy resources less ample than its wealthy Gulf neighbours, the government is currently facing challenges in financing its state budget and generating employment for Omani citizens, complicating its efforts to maintain stability.
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