The Emergence of States in a Tribal Society: Oman Under Sa'id bin Taymur, 1932-1970 - Softcover

"Rabi presents a fascinating account and, indeed, a striking reassessment of the long reign of Sultan Sa'id bin Taymur. Earlier studies for the most part dismissed the reign of Sa'id as "medieval and isolationist," and regarded the government that succeeded it under Sa'id's English-educated son, Qabus, as "progressive and enlightened." Rabi has studied closely Sa'id's reign, and convincingly asserts that his government "proved to be a responsive administration that adjusted itself to political and socioeconomic challenges." Under Sa'id, Muscat and Oman were united as "the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman." In 1964, oil in commercial quantities was discovered in Oman, increasing dramatically the income of the state, yet Sa'id seemed less than able to deal with some of the demands of the time. As his son, Qabus put it: "I have watched with growing dismay and increasing anger the inability of my father to use the new found wealth of this country for the needs of its people." On 26 July 1970, Qabus, joined by others in Oman, led a coup and sent Sa'id into exile. Although Sa'id's 38-year reign ended in personal disaster, his accomplishments were important, and Rabi makes a strong case for them. Highly recommended." --Choice "Rabi examines the complex method employed by which Taymur brought about the integration of the several tribes intro a more unified political system while simultaneously and cautiously using the oil revenue without reducing the state's adherence to Islamic principles of governance... The author is to be commended for the intricacy of his coverage of the social and anthropological aspects of the historical development of this portion of the Persian Gulf. This effort will undoubtedly become a basic reading requirement for an appreciation of the historical development of modern Oman." --Digest of Middle East Studies

This book reassesses the reign of Said bin Taymur, who was deposed by his son, Qabus bin Said, in a coup in July 1970. Contemporary historiography of the period of Saids rule (1932-1970) views Oman as medieval and isolationist; Qabus later government is seen as progressive and enlightened, with his ascendancy to the throne often described as the 'rebirth of Oman' from its 'medieval slumber' into a thriving and prosperous Sultanate. This study refutes the prevailing view that Saids four-decade reign should be perceived as a place where time stood still. The author offers a critical look at the economic, political, social and cultural aspects of Oman during the reign of Said bin Taymur. The book mainly focuses on tribe-state relations, emphasizing their dynamic interaction, with particular attention paid to the relationships between the tribal groups. Uzi Rabis book reinterprets a significant timescale in the modern history of the Arabian Peninsula and pre-oil societies, and will be essential reading for both students and scholars of Middle Eastern history, culture and society.