I literally have about 10 things I want to write about but I'm going to write about the protests because the whole thing is really rubbing me the wrong way.
I honestly think Omani's don't know how good they have it and have become a little spoiled. That is really, really how I feel. And I get that I'm an outsider here and have no idea what goes on inside other peoples houses (and bank accounts), but really, if these protests are about jobs, unemployment benefits (money from the government while you can't find work) and corruption, well I don't see what the problem is.
Omani's get their health care and education paid for and free land and as an Omani you have the opportunity to be business partners with anyone who needs one because expats can't just set up a business ...where else in the world would you get all that? All that just for being Omani. As a Canadian if I went and asked my government for some land and free education they would tell me to fuck off.
There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of jobs in Oman. And I'm being serious, there are thousands, hundreds of thousands of expats stealing jobs that you can do no matter what education you have, if you want them they are there you just have to be willing to work hard and maybe get your hands a little dirty.
I'm talking about cleaning, delivery and construction jobs.
The only problem with that is that most Omani's think they're above manual labour. So I guess being an unemployed bum sucking the government teet is better then actually working for a living no matter what the job is.
And since I'm going there, I may as well really go all the way with this....even when Omani's do have jobs, if they even show up to the office or wherever they do the bare minimum anyway.
Ok not all Omani's but a lot. All my friends and I have traded stories about Omani co-wokers who show up and take naps, or leave for hours, or come in only in the afternoons or just surf the internet or download porn (yeah for real, and wierd porn at that) or music. Some Omani's have jobs that they don't really know how to do or forgot how to do and so they just sit there and make their expat counter parts lives hell....and this is why expats typically make more money, because they are the ones actually working. (and I'm not talking living allowences, I mean flat out salary)
And Omani's can't be fired because...well because it's nearly impossible to.
So really I'm not sure that Omani's actually want jobs, I think they just want money. And now that the goverment is going to be giving you some, albeit a small amount I see the incentive to actually go looking for work shrinking. And I predict that next year will see more protests demanding a raise in unemployment beneifts because really 150 or /month isn't very much money.
And about corruption well...isn't that just the cost of doing business here? It's so ingrained in Omani society that I don't even think most Omani's realize how much there just is.
Bribery, extortion and abuse of power are common place. You can literally pay your way out of almost any bad situation you get yourself into and if you want something done, just pay for it, if you have the means.
I'm not going to type out all the crazy stories I've heard since I moved here about dodgy dealings and money but I've heard more then my fair share and I'm guessing anyone reading this who lives here has as well. Anyone from Ministers, the police, and just your average everyday Omani in a good job is on the take and they don't see it as being wrong.
So stop being the pot calling the kettle black.
Stop acting like thugs and spoiled babies. Stop the burning and yelling and vandelism, be fucking productive members of your society, come up with your own business ideas, hell steal other peoples business ideas and create compitition, go back to school, take a manual labour job and sort out your own life for YOURSELF instead of having your benevelent ruler doing it for you.
Think for god sake, use your heads not your fists.
Oh and stop covering your damn faces you look like fucking Al Qaeda suspects. If you're going to act all tough, be tough enough to show your face.
Losers...
Here's some sources and news articles-
http://lasiaf.posterous.com/lulu-sohar-at-this-very-moment-is-on-fire-28t pictures
http://globalvoicesonline.org/2011/02/26/oman-the-people-want-an-end-to-corruption/ this one has videos and stuff
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011227112850852905.html
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE71Q0U420110228
I sincerely doubt that the mothers and fathers and wives and brothers and sisters and children of the 6 dead would agree that any of this was worth it.
Sorry this is so anti-Omani but Omani's just don't know how good they have it, and how many opportunities are there just waiting for them, they have a mile and want an inch more, and they're doing it in the worst fucking way possible!
Why burn down Lulu? (that's a large grocery store comparable to Walmart and probably largest employer of Omani's in Sohar) You're just being bad and I think some of you got a taste for being bad the first time in your life and you like it and you're probably going to get away with it because the cops and the army aren't doing a damn thing to stop you, because apparently the Sultan, the man who gives you everything asked them not to. Well what a nice man he is. How dare you treat his country this way.
I can't even believe how upset I am...
Got some rest...now for the back story.
17 hours ago
34 comments:
Hi 5
as much as I dread to think of the back lash this blog is gonna cause...
WELL SAID!
I'm behind you all the way - and I mean literally behind you ... :) they can get you first.. :)
You have got to be flippin' kidding me! The Omani people get EVERYTHING! They are so well taken care of, their leader listens to their wants and needs. You hit the nail on the head. These groups of protestors are just being selfish. If they REALLY wanted to work, there are multiple companies who have Omanization quota's to try and fill and will gladly pay them to sit on their rear ends. They don't even have to do real work because that is how the government is set up. You HAVE to hire Omani's and it is impossible to fire them. These protests are not about the government because everything works in their favor concerning freedoms, money, education, property and laws. This is greed. Nothing more.
I don't care who thinks that my comments are racially motivated, I've lived in Oman and I have seen how well treated the people of Oman are...they should be grateful for the way their government is set up on their behalf. The Omani people are first and foremost in the minds of it's leaders. The expats (indians, pakistani's, sri lankans, etc) are an entirely different story...if anyone has a right to protest it is them.
I was hoping not to see this idiocy from Omani's.
Such honesty and frankness will not go down well here. Get ready for backlash
Dear Omanis the grass always seems greener on the other side.
You are never ever going to get a leader who could hold a candle to HM.Thank God that he is here for you.I have been here for 17 years and have seen and felt his love for you all and his country.I call this down right ungrateful.Yes protest if you must but not with violence.That is not the Omani that I knew all these years.God bless you all.
Why oh why do people think that this is all about food or healthcare or having good roads or "having a good Ruler"? This is about none of those things.
This is about being able to have a say in the running of your own country. This is about being able to stand up and say "I do not agree" and not being hounded or suppressed because you do that, but having your right to disagree protected and cherished. This is about going further and being able to make changes by popular acclaim, not by royal decree.
I agree that Omanis have a good life, on the whole. I lived there for 11 years and I had and have many friends there. But looks can be deceiving. Having all the trappings of a good life is not freedom. There are no real freedoms in Oman. The people are not empowered. There is NO franchise.
I'm all for change. I am all for allowing the people in countries which rely on the rule of one person or one unelected group of people, no matter how good or bad they may be, to fight for the right to determine their own destiny.
I fervently hope that this fight is a peaceful one. Oman has two great advantages over other countries: firstly it has a populace who are mild mannered, courteous and less inclined to violence; secondly, it has a ruler who is intelligent, benevolent and empathetic towards his people. It takes both of these to ensure that the cries for democracy in Oman are made in the right way, listened to with all seriousness and.....AND.....acted upon in a way which sees real change come about. I hope that all involved see that the only way to go from here is forward, not back.
You're so right AIO, but get ready for the backlash!!!!xx
The 'the world/my country/leader owes me a living' attitude is simply too deelpy ingrained in their inner psyche. If I wasn't afraid of being labelled a racist I'd say it was innate to them. Where I work, in order to meet the Omanisation targets' (which must be met each year) we now openly employ Omani nationals to stay at home! They have a contract and a salary, and a job title and job description, but I doubt if they even know where we are located. They are not required to turn up to work. Indeed, I don't think their presence would be welcomed. The work these Omanis are supposed to be doing is actually done by off the books freelancers through a long complex series of contracts and 'one off' projects. Your average Omani wouldn't be able to organise a prayer session in a mosque!
Couldn't agree more.
The Nationals have everything handed to them on a plate. And now RO.150 per month to be jolly and merry !! And this is the way they repay !! Selfish bastards !!
Everything is simple, all those who started protest in sohar have nothing to do. they are like a parrots repeat what happen in other parts of the world. But before to start all this they should ask themself - do we live same like in Egypt or Libia or Tunis? No... they live like in heaven. They have everything they want. Name me one country where government will give you free houseing land and busness land. And name me at list one country where you can go to Development Bank and ask for a intrest free loan to build up your own business?
Another moment, that protesters tell " We want democracy" For God sake i am 100% sure that 90% of them even dont know waht this word means and they have never traveled abroad and even though if they travel they have lived short period in democratic countries as a tourist but they have never lived long term there to feel in reall what democracy means. i wish so that in my country the ruler didt at list 1% out of what Sultan Qaboos did for Omanis. Few months ago they made a parade and were singing the songs about Sultan, how much they love him and adore and that they will do anything for him if he ask. and what we can see now. i really feel sad, and feel pitty to this great person. He does for his people what ever it takes and what ever he can to make his people life better. but it is not his fault that many things has been hidden from him by Ministers and other people. Waht those protesters did equal that they stap a night in the back or spit to the face. I am 100% sure that if they would ask all what they want in a peasfull protest march - He would listen and would take all their requests into consideration. Why you have to violant. He is not your enemy. Omani's Please use your brain - you should be greatfull and proud that you have such leader.!!!!!!
It is not about Sultan Qaboos. It is about having a say in what happens in your society and country. It is about having democratically elected representatives. Qaboos can stay - a figurehead, a beacon, a rallying point of pride and history.....but his powers must go to elected officials who represent the people.
You are so right!!!
I have been saying the same thing - and just keep getting attacked!
I AM SO ANGRY AT OMANIS WHO ARE SUPPORTING THIS!!!
It is shameful! They want something for nothing, and resent those who work their a**es of to earn the money they want to just be given for free.
Sultan Qaboos does NOT deserve this from the people he single-handedly brought from the middle ages into the 21st century!
The protest is not against the King, who is a good human being. I am an expatriate and I feel proud to say that he has done a lot of things for the benefit of this country....The people over here loves him. He has promised few things which we know he will fulfill.
Desertman, you are allowed your opinion, but you should do some fact checking about the government set up and what the people are actually demanding.
1) they do have a partially elected body of government.
2) the people are not demanding government changes from the ruler-only money, land, job creation and a few other ludicrous things like separation of sexes in schools.
While I can appreciate your enthusiasm to defend the idea of a complete democracy, the government Oman has is in working order and the people are happy with it. That isn't their complaint and they are not asking for it. At least not yet. If they do they are idiots and will have a definite crisis when they get it because the people are not ready for such responsibility.
Dont we Omani's have a right to express our views and aspirations????
Violent demonstrations are not part of our culture or way of life.... but we have every right to determine our destiny... in a peaceful and legitimate way... in a sensible and sane way.
We have a great ruler in our Sultan...but what people are asking is for greater transparency and accountability.
Amber, to address the points you bring up:
1) The "partially elected body" you mention, the Consultative Assembly, is consultative only. It has no power to enact policy whatsoever. The Sultan can overrule any decision it makes....any decision. To exercis a franchise is not about voting for advisors, it is about voting for those who make the law and change the country.
2) The people are demanding that government become more accountable to the people, that decisions are made by popular will of the people and not by "wusta". I agree that the people do not want to see Qaboos go, they love him. But they don't love the institution below him - and that institution can only change if those below him are accountable to those who voted for them, and not by the will of one man. Qaboos should stay; his powers should not.
The people are ready for democracy and for freedom. To think anything else is to insult their intelligence and be as dismissive as the regime which subjugates them. And the poeple will get their way. That's what the leaders don't see....the writing is on the wall for them to see yet they are blind to it.
Angry,
Unfortunately it seems you and your friends havent had the opportunity to work with professional and educated Omanis. So to generalize the way you have is very unfair, but u r entitled to your opinion and to voice it. The people who started all this are a minority, we all have worked so hard to build our country and the Sultan has done so much for us, u think we are happy or take pride with all this burning and vandalism that is happening?. And if you think we have it very easy here, you should find out more about locals in Qatar, UAE and Kuwait and what benefits they get!
Anyhow, we are all angry and we hope this will all die down soon and things will return to normalcy.
God Bless Oman and the Sultan.
What is going on in Oman is so sad....it breaks my heart to see our beloved ruler attacked this way. The rascals who are leading this protest may say that they are not against HM but their actions are a direct insult to him. I am an Oman national of Indian ethnicity. It is only because of HM's wisdom and broadmindedness that my family live in Oman and love that country. I pray that these protests stop
Long live HM Sultan Qaboos
PS...Desertman....do me a favor....go spout your bullshit in Egypt, Tunisia or some other hellhole
I really think angry in oman should leave. She has know idea what she is talking about and obviously sits amongst western expats who talk a load of rubbish. The rumours spread amongst this western communitiy is sometimes so ridiculous (they are supposed to be educated) Expatriates here are just worried about losing their jobs. Therefore, it is a good way of keeping employment for themselves by saying all omanis are stupid and lazy and incapable of doing their jobs. 'Angry in Oman' should get out and about and meet educated omanis not only socialize with her own kind. I really hope you leave soon because as you said you wont get much in your country. You do not deserve to be in this country when you have a very ignorant idea of what is going on and what the local population are asking for.
I really wish that people would at least pick a name and use it even if it isn't their real one. Too many anonymous.
As far as not working with educated and professional Omani's...I have. And I can guarantee that because of taking the education and profession seriously that the government has provided for them that they are NOT out in the streets burning cars and businesses. The ones that are doing this (and those are the ones I am discussing) have been handed too much, have not had to work hard enough for it and have no appreciation for what they have been given and they are NOT in the minority...they are in the majority for the 4-40 year old bracket. There is a distinction between the older members of society who had to toil and work manually just to eat and their progeny who has had to do nothing because of the generosity of the ruler they now insult. As far as Qatar, UAE, etc., who get better "benefits"...it is true. They do. I have lived in these places as well...and frankly, I would much rather be in Oman where the giving has been tempered because it has produced a much more humble, tolerant and accepting people as a whole (but that is a positive generalization...you seem to not like generalizations so feel free to ignore that statement if you want.) I consider this a wise blessing to the people of Oman, not a misfortune or hardship. The other countries are at far greater risk, and in a very different way actually mistreated by the "benefits" because they are not learning to live within their means or be required to contribute to society or learn gratitude. Sometimes withholding is actually the more generous thing to do for your people, children, family or friends. Not always the easiest, but often the best choice.
Dear angry: My husband, who is an educated and hard-working Omani who would rather take an Indian salary than a government hand-out, basically echoed your words to me this morning when we got texts about the government unemployment hand-out.
Desertman: I don't like democracy. Not like they do in U.K or France or U.S.A anyway. That's why I moved here. Go move there if that's what you want. People have the option of changing passports in this life and I am an example of such.
I think what is truly wrong with Oman is not Monarchy, but corruption and lack of transparency. And #1 of all, lack of accountability.
Protesters, if you want to move the world, first you have to move yourselves to embody the changes you desire.
Violence is destructive and builds nothing. want to be Kings of rubble? Go on ahead then, but I will fight you.
Its sad that those who are protesting for more money, more jobs, more, more, more don't want to put in the work to get more for themselves. They are not asking for more transparency or accountability. They are asking for more of what they have in abundance vs. what is offered in countries not considered 3rd world.
What is also very apparent is that those protesting violently do not remember what it was like before the current Sultan Quaboos - how terrible it was before him. I spent a little time in Muscat and I loved it. What a beautiful place! Far from perfect, granted but it saddens me that there are people out there driven by greed, laziness with very short memory spans.
Omani Princess: You don't like democracy but many do. You are free to speak for yourself as are those who protest in Oman and elsewhere. If you wish to live somewhere where you have no say whatsoever in the running of the country then that's your prerogative. I don't live in Oman any longer. I was there for the job, had no say in the running of the country because it was not my country. I now live in my home country and have the franchise...in a western democracy....with all its beautiful successes and failures.
The protesters are moving themselves - they are venting their frustrations at not having the freedom they deserve.
Destruction is bad. Sometimes the birth of a democracy is traumatic.
I happened to speak to one of the so called intellecual unemployed Omani gentleman who mentioned that Omanis can do 70% of the jobs which are done by the expat community and he wanted all the ridiculous freebies from the govt. I totally agreed with him that 70% of the jobs can be done by Omanis and asked him whether he could join and also ask his unemployed Omani colleagues to join and replace the Indians & Pakistanis who were working in the Wadi digging a culvert starting from April onwards,during the onset of summer. Or become a construction worker in a building et al. Pat came the reply, I only want to become a Mudir.
I got my answer and quitely walked on!!!!
I agree with almost everything you said here with one exception- expats are not stealing any Omani's jobs. On the whole the expat population tends to be incredibly hard working and these people are mostly making an honest living and not stealing.
They are and have been providing vital services for the last 40 or more years to the country of Oman. They also happen to perform every "dirty" job that an entitled Omani citizen refuses to do. I think it is also safe to say the vast majority of manual workers in Oman are South Asian expats who are working for very nominal wages with almost no representation, no ability to form unions and no healthcare.
I agree they have come on their free choice because conditions in their home country are deplorable and so I guess they deserve to work countless hours in the hot sun with minimal wages. Because we're all petty beings here and care more about who's Omani or who's Indian or who's Emirati rather than who is a HUMAN first (but that's a whole different concept in itself). Rising above things that seperate us it probably too much to ask for at this juncture.
Nonetheless, I think we can safely say that expats have essentially built the whole country from the ground up and if an Omani is willing to work hard for the same wages, then please be my guest. I'll be very surprised to see which Omani will work for 80-100 riyals a month on a construction site in the hot summer.
Not to forget every major entrepreneur, business idea, banking, investments, oil field, healthcare, airports, supermarkets, malls-you name were started and run by expats in Oman. All an Omani did was agree to be a "sponsor" and make a ton of money for doing nothing.
So please before you hate on the expat population, think for a second about the vital role they are playing and have played in the development of your country.
Because us expats on a daily basis our thankful for our lives in Oman and His Majesty the Sultan, probably even more so than an Omani himself/herself.
I must say I was surprised at the answers, as I too thought people would be wanting to burn you at the stake for what you said...LOL
Guess your way of thinking is echoed by most people.....
Gill in Canada
You do realise that if you get democracy then you will also start having to pay taxes etc. If the people elect the government then they have to pay for it. That's how democracy works! All those in favour of paying taxes from their salaries to pay for health, education, transport etc raise your hands!!..... anyone........anyone? No, didn't think so. You have got it good after all!!
Desertman: Those so-called democracy loving protesters? They are lazy people who wouldn't work at a job if you gave them the Omani wage for it. LOL, give them this country to run?
We'll be back to hospitals with no electricty run by Christian Missionaries like in the old days in NO TIMMMMMMMME. Or run by foreign international businesses.
Neither are attractive futures for Oman. And you don't even live here? Or desire to?
Well then, I feel free to disregard you wanting much for Oman.
Everything Angry stated is 100% true. And His Majesty is dealing with the corruption and stealing so we're happy Omanis.
Incredibly stupid move on the part of the folks protesting.
I cant quite work out what they dont have here in Oman.
Oh, accountability? Democracy? Transparency? Can you eat these for a meal? Or build a shelter with them? Or pay for your kids education?
Kapil: Omanis can all find enough to afford a meal. And buy a shelter if they are motivated to save and to work at their job. Not a huggggggggggggge villa bigger than their needs, but a decent place to live. And their kids education IS free.
>Well what a nice man he is. How dare you treat his country this way.
He is a cross between a ruthless gangster and a patronizing, self-righteous, fatherly figure (only that it seems that he'll never be a father, biologically speaking).
After his passing away, most probably, the mountain people, the tribesmen of Dhofar will cut themselves off from the rest of Oman and form their own emirate.
The current uprising has nothing to do with financial complaints but with people feeling sick of being patronized by a clique and forced to dishonourably worship a man. This is not about money but about dignity and honour.
Mark my words: this ain't gonna' stop pretty soon! You are all gonna' have lots of fun in the sense that what we wrongly presumed to be a certain section of sedated Omani people kind of really want a repeat of the Dhofari rebelion that took place a couple of decades ago. That was an unfinished business. We shall see how all of this is going to end up... I'd bet on something quite unpredictable :)
^ominous words!
no taxation without representation.
you want representation,well pay your taxes boys!and be ready to feel your purse strings tighten as a chunk of your money,which alot of you dont even earn, disappears!
and thats just the first act.
I have spent my time trying to figure out the reason for the protests,and for the life of me,i dont understand it!im looking for these educated Omanis,JUST to hear their opinions,to ask them WHY,but i shit you not,i cant find 'em!im not saying they dont exist but...
well .i respect everyone's opinion but many things are going wrong held by omani's and expats .. iam new in oman but i have seen omani's are very calm and innocent .. i think i have never seen such a peacefull community in my entire life ..they are growing .. there are many people in other countires who think good for there government and bad as well .. we cant blame anything about omanis i work with many omani .. i accept they are little bit slow .. but they do ..because of extreme weather .which is not like your country .they cannot work as u do thats why u ppl get chance to work here coz for u the amount you earn is multiplied and thou for that we can do anything .but we cant if it is paid same in our own country for the same job coz it is not multiplied .we try to find some othe oppotunity then // can i ask everyone why expats dont like to work in there own country ..why dont they become a part to develope their own nation .. every one has a same story .. money ... if omanis r fighting for the job whats wrong in it .. how it feel when some outsider come and do the job where your have to be... then what would be your reaction .. well omanis population are in lakh includes baluchi zanzibar and other nationals so we cant say .. who is fighting and for what .and . where omani r well treated from his mejesty same expats also get same respect .. what omanis do what they do not .. we are not suppose to say anything about them .. they just burned lulu coz it is owned by an expat .. or might be other reason ..discusing al these does not make any changes in there life we should help them to move forward in their life . i met a omani taxi driver he was a IT SOFTWARE DEVELOPER when i asked him why he is driving taxi he said .. he tried for a job but dint got oppotunity .. if he dint wanted to work why he was driving taxi day and night to earn some money ..even thou .. most of malbari , egyptians , gujrati who are in many numbers in this country like to replace a post of there own nation people..omani
s are not blind they know and ,, a diffrent war goes between them ..and @ last oman people suffer . i have seen many omani going to bar club .destroying themself and doing everything which is restricted in islam .coz expats implimenting their culture and include omanis along with them did ne one tried a job for omani rather than thinkin to bring there brother sister cousin etc i have seen how expats behave with omani..they welcome us in their own country .we got a chance to work and make money .so we have to help them ..as we r helping their nation to develope....and we are very much lucky to work under oman goverment ..
I was at the protests in Sohar. It is wrong to classify them as all lazy or hooligans like some of the posters here in a sweeping generalization. In reality, they were quite a diverse bunch from all the "shabab" in and around Sohar. Most were men, but you found owners of local business I knew from the sook to university students. Some came just to see what was going on or to be part of it rather than "hanging" at the wadi or beach.
It is possible the new generation of Omanis are better educated than their parents; thus when they see the realities of their culture such as the corruption, they were seeking change, and some may realize they are basically living in a police state.
Although I agree with a lot of what you write about the lack of work ethic Omanis have compared to what we are used to in the West or Asia (and it can be very frustrating), I think the protests were a healthy expression. Before you criticize, think of all the protests some with violence in the Western countries that brought about societal change for the better.
Also, my friend complained he had several sisters all with University degrees from the Emirates that applied to jobs but weren't hired just sitting at home. So, as to Omanis not wanting to "get their hands dirty" that seems generally true, but would you assuming you have University degree think you should work these menial jobs in the West. I think issues are more complicated than at first glance.
The burning of Lulu's was based upon that the owner of LuLu's was part of the corruption problem and anger direct at that; also they burnt the house of the wali. It may not be correct action, but it was not random.
Just because Omani are getting handouts and basically have a high quality of life (what you see in Muscat); not all do. There are many poor Omanis not living so well. Basically, the nation is bribed to stay passive and some of the tribal leaders are taking the most money from Sultan Q to absorb their anger.
It may be detrimental to the ruling elite if the "regular" Omanis became very highly skilled and efficient and effective in their work, as well as, well-educated and started asking questions because the current elite would lose power and influence.
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