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
Royal wedding: Who Prince William and Kate Middleton invited
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Currents
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 02/17

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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.
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.
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.
Opinion: 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.
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.
Oman protests intensify as Sultan struggles to appease demonstrators

Oman protests come with calls for economic improvements and political reform, but stop short of demanding removal of the Gulf state's Sultan Qaboos.
Stock market impact of Libya: downward

Stock market in Britain, Germany are down, while futures point to dip at open of US stock market.
Tunisia's PM Ghannouchi quits amid new protests for real change

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi’s resigned Sunday, showing that Tunisian protesters won't stop until their revolution brings the change they demand.
Why did Somali pirates kill four American yachters?

As US forces negotiated the release of four Americans captured while yachting in the Arabian Sea, Somali pirates shot and killed them today. The incident raises questions about the new military approach to piracy.
How a broken social contract sparked Bahrain protests

The Bahrain protests go beyond the sectarian prism of Sunni versus Shiite. The ruling Al Khalifa family has been unable to provide Bahrainis the kind of interest-free loans and medical care that some of their neighbors have enjoyed.
Prince William and Kate Middleton and the future of the royal brand

Royalty used to have final say in matters of life and death. These days -- at least in most of the world -- they are more like celebrity spokesmen for their country.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 02/17
Somali pirate gets stiff sentence in US court. Will it deter piracy?

A US judge sentenced Somali pirate Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse to nearly 34 years in prison, citing a need to deter others. But the problem is getting to those who finance piracy operations.
Alberto Contador returns to cycling circuit, but showdown looms over doping claims

Spain's cycling federation cleared Alberto Contador of doping charges, but international officials seek a fresh review. At issue are Contador's intent and Spain's impartiality.
Somali pirates capture oil tanker bound for US: Higher oil prices ahead?

Somali pirates took control of an oil tanker from Kuwait carrying $200 million worth of crude. It's the second oil-tanker hijacking by Somali pirates in two days.
Egypt and the cradle of civilization

A Christian Science perspective.
Iran kicks off espionage trial of US hikers

Iran's espionage trial of US hikers, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, comes ahead of the Feb. 11 anniversary of Iran's 1979 revolution and as tensions are rising over Iran's nuclear program.
National debt: Whom does the US owe?

The US is indebted mainly to ... Americans. Still, foreigners hold about 47 percent of the national debt, with China and Japan owning the biggest chunks.
Opinion: US message to Arab world matters -- and Obama is sending the wrong one

The message the US projects abroad will resonate long after the final pass of the Super Bowl. The US must lend its full-throated support to the protesters of the Arab world. It matters – both for the future of the region, and the future of America. Sitting on the sidelines may cost us more than our regional standing; it may cost us our own ideals.
South Korea set to try captured Somali pirates

Five Somali pirates flown Sunday to South Korea are blaming the hijacking of the Samho Jewelry tanker on eight other pirates who were killed when South Korean navy seals rescued the vessel and its 21 crew members on Jan. 21.
A wave of Arab revolt after Tunisia?

Maybe. But there are unique conditions at play in each regional state.