((Britain’s Role in the Omani Internal Conflicts 1913-1932))

Abstract

Britain played a major role in the internal conflicts of the Arabian Gulf region in general, and the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in particular. This was done by fueling strife and controlling the tribal leaders and sheikhs inside Oman, and in return feeding the Omani coast represented by the Sultan (Muscat), with the support of one party at the expense of The other party with the use of bribes, gifts and financial grants to both parties to achieve its goals in Muscat and Oman. External and internal factors also contributed to activate the British role in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. Such factors include the departure of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to India and leaving the affairs of the Sultanate in the hands of the British political agent in Muscat and the tribal conflict and eternal hostility between the Imamate in the Omani interior and the Sultan on the Omani coast. Therefore, the Britain's role and influence over the Sultanate were strengthened and the country was in political, economic, social and cultural chaos.