Topic: Oman

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World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Currents
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 02/17

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US sends troops to Yemen as Al Qaeda gains ground

Civil unrest in Yemen has enabled Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which perpetrated the foiled underwear bomb plot, to expand its reach. US troops are arriving to train Yemeni soldiers.
Real triumph of Arab League summit: That it happened at all

The Arab League took little action to address Syria crisis, deferring to UN. But the summit, held in a renovated marble palace with gold-encrusted dates for dessert, still marked a triumph for host Iraq.
Africa Rising: First it was China, now the Gulf discovers the African market

A decade ago, many African economies seemed locked in stagnation. Now they are booming, and Gulf investors are moving in to take advantage of the growth.
World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
USS Abraham Lincoln returns to Persian Gulf shadowed by Iranian boats

USS Abraham Lincoln passed through the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday with Iranian gunboats, an Iranian drone, and helicopter following. Iran had threatened to close the strait after Western sanctions were tightened last month.
Terrorism & Security
Yemen's President Saleh departs for US, apparently ending his rule

President Ali Abdullah Saleh's departure from Yemen probably marks the end of his 33 years in power, but questions are being raised about Washington's decision to take in the strongman.
Yemen's Saleh leaves for US, says he'll be back

President Ali Abdullah Saleh left Yemen Sunday talking of both handing over power and returning before presidential elections next month.
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Oman's elections bring hopes, doubts of institutional change

Sultan Qaboos bin Said promised to bestow new powers on the nation's assembly to tamp down Arab Spring protests, but ahead of Oman's elections tomorrow, those powers remain undefined.
Sean Penn plays a role in US hikers release from Iran

Sean Penn, according to a source, played a key role behind the scenes to help obtain the release of two US hikers from an Iranian prison. Sean Penn has been involved in other social issues in the past.
Ahmadinejad says US hikers in Iran will be released soon. Why now?

Iran's leadership may be keen to offer a goodwill gesture, some observers suggest. Others wonder if the release of the two US hikers is tied to the controversy over Iran's nuclear program.
Syria defiant despite increased regional pressure

Turkey's foreign minister pushed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad today to end the violence. But Syria, which launched more assaults today, has rarely yielded to such pressure in the past.
Amid Arab Spring fires, why isn't Lebanon in flames?

While its neighbors are in turmoil, Lebanon has endured with relative calm throughout this Arab Spring. What's Lebanon's secret?
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited

Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited 1,900 people to join them when they tie the knot Friday at Westminster Abbey. Here's a look at some notables on the list, from Grammy-winners to representatives criticized by the international community for violating human rights.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Currents
In Oman, a young female editor exemplifies new boldness

Kawkab al-Balushi, a bold student newspaper editor, wants to challenge authority – but disagrees with the divergent approach of some of her more rebellious peers who just 'want a Blackberry,' she says.
Why Bahrain is unlikely to turn into an Iran-Saudi battleground

The intervention of Saudi forces has escalated tensions between Bahrain's protesters and the country's Sunni rulers, leaving at least one dead and drawing criticism from Iran.
Terrorism & Security
Iran condemns Saudi troops' arrival in Bahrain

Iran's decision to get involved threatens to change the situation from a local dispute into a regional standoff between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran, with Bahrain as the proxy.
Terrorism & Security
Arab League approves no-fly zone in Libya. But is it too late?

The US and UK expressed support for the Arab League's approval of a no-fly zone as Libyan rebels beat a hasty eastward retreat from forces loyal to Col. Muammar Qaddafi.
Day of Rage in Saudi Arabia: How much change can the Gulf expect?

Regime change may not come swiftly to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, where protesters have called for a 'Day of Rage' today, but a revolution of a different sort is taking place.
Oil prices fall. Stocks recover.

Oil prices fell from their highs on prospects of higher OPEC production. After flirting with $120 a barrel in London, oil prices declined to nearly $114.
Stock market news: Oil prices fuel gloom

Stock market news is downbeat as traders, investors worldwide worry about rising oil prices, slowing growth.
Should you panic about oil prices?

Not yet. Middle East turmoil may increase the danger of rising oil prices triggering a double-dip recession. But while a short-lived oil price spike is quite possible, a sustained spike causing serious economic damage isn't likely. Still, the US should consider two approaches for insurance.
In Oman, protests spur timid media to cover the news

For a conservative country, where media self-censorship is routine and people keep their opinions to themselves, the news coverage highlights how quickly change is coming to Oman.
Global News Blog
Why Oman is different than other Middle East autocracies in turmoil

In Oman, democratic aspirants are struggling against an absolute monarch who has developed and managed the country far better than most regional autocrats now facing revolt.