Oman’s Double Game? Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think. Inside the Arab World’s Most Misunderstood Foreign Policy
Oman’s foreign policy is often mischaracterized, especially regarding its relations with Israel and its role in Yemen. This article offers a structured analysis to clarify these issues, grounded in historical context and recent developments.
Oman’s Stance on Israel: Principled Neutrality
Oman has maintained a distinct stance on Israel, one rooted in principled neutrality rather than alignment. Unlike the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco—signatories of the 2020 Abraham Accords—Oman has refrained from establishing formal diplomatic ties with Israel. In 2023, the Omani Foreign Ministry reiterated that normalization is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state, reflecting a long-standing policy stance.
Throughout its history, Oman has opted for mediation over alignment. For instance, hosting Israeli leaders Yitzhak Rabin in 1994 and Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018 was aimed at advancing regional peace rather than fostering bilateral relations. These engagements occurred under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos, and his successor, Sultan Haitham, has maintained this cautious diplomatic approach.
Even when Oman allowed Israeli civilian flights through its airspace in 2020, it was a pragmatic decision tied to aviation diplomacy rather than a political shift. Oman remains vocal in its support for Palestinian self-determination, as emphasized by Sultan Haitham in his 2022 speech at the United Nations.
Yemen Mediation: Neutral Facilitator, Not a “Double Game”
Oman’s role in Yemen has also sparked controversy and confusion. Since 2021, the country has played a critical role as a neutral facilitator of Houthi-Saudi talks under United Nations backing. These efforts have led to prisoner swaps and ceasefire extensions, with the International Crisis Group (2023) praising Oman’s neutrality as crucial to de-escalation efforts.
In addition to mediation, Oman has demonstrated a strong humanitarian commitment, providing $150 million in aid to Yemen since 2015, focusing on infrastructure and healthcare without showing partisan bias. This underscores its policy of non-interference, prioritizing humanitarian needs over geopolitical agendas.
Moreover, Oman’s military measures along its 294-kilometer border with Yemen aim to prevent spillover violence rather than intervene in the conflict. Critics alleging a “double game” fail to understand Oman’s neutrality, which avoids joining coalitions like the Saudi-led alliance.
Addressing Misconceptions
One common misconception is equating neutrality with passivity. However, Oman’s proactive diplomacy is evident from its mediation of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks between 2013 and 2015. Similarly, in Yemen, neutrality enables Oman to bridge divides, a strategy that has received endorsement from institutions like the Carnegie Endowment (2022).
Critics may also question Oman’s decision to host Houthi delegations, but such actions align with its long-standing commitment to dialogue over partisanship. This approach mirrors Oman’s consistent mediation history, dating back to the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.
Conclusion
Oman’s foreign policy is firmly rooted in neutrality, dialogue, and humanitarianism. Claims of normalization with Israel or a “double game” in Yemen fail to acknowledge its principled consistency. By focusing on mediation and stability, Oman stands out as a unique peace actor in a region often characterized by polarization. Rather than reflecting ambivalence, Oman’s approach is a strategic and peace-driven choice that continues to fill a critical diplomatic void in the Middle East.
