The Uniqueness of the Omanis & Their Role in a Future Palestinian Statecraft Effort

At the Abraham Alliance Institute, we actively advocate for a new statecraft system for the Palestinians after the current Gaza War ends. This will involve a process where the Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) states will underwrite a state incubation process for the Palestinian people. This will include creating and maintaining a gazette for Palestinian leaders to encourage formal and informal organizations and systems to further the needs of Palestinians in a targeted manner. The GCC states can support a trusteeship and transitional process for the Palestinians to develop a broad-based governance model. This article examines the Omani people's unique role in this transition process.

The GCC countries have sought to diversify their economies in the past two decades. They have engaged extensively with the English-speaking world on many levels. Each Arab state had its own special approach to issues, steeped in centuries of scholarship that has thrived in its microcosmic circles—whether as sects or jurisprudential jurisdictions. Together, they presented beautiful thought processes and patterns that defined the citizens of each Arab country. This showed their levels of sophistication and the depths of their diversity as a people.

Observing the citizens of the GCC countries go through the university systems of British, American, and other European countries generated a high level of respect for the Sunnah and the various schools of jurisprudence as they evolved.

Omanis stand out uniquely.

This distinction is found in their research and academic circles.

Omanis have a very objective approach to thinking. They naturally flow into empirical studies and are very deep in critiquing all relevant variables in any situation. Omanis can also filter through things and develop very efficient forecasting models that are useful in analyzing data and formulating accurate conclusions.

A deeper check reveals that their main traditional framework puts Omanis in a special place in the Islamic and global order. Three values define their approach to philosophy in general:

1.      Piety

2.      Egalitarianism, and

3.      Meritocracy.

With the proposed Abraham Alliance, which is to encourage the convergence of collective efforts for the Palestinian people in Washington or an appropriate location to decide in the future, the GCC states, Israel, and the Palestinian groups can discuss different elements that can help develop a state structure for Palestinians in good faith. In the process, values to be mindful of include:

1.      Neutrality,

2.      Independent thinking, and

3.      Good faith pursuit of the best interests.

Omanis have these attributes as a central part of their fundamental thought process. Thus, Omanis are the preferred choice for different activities in the incubation of a new Palestinian statecraft process, as:

1.      Brokers

2.      Supervisors

3.      Observers, and

4.      Supporters.

The Palestinian people deserve better than what they have now. The end of the current Gaza War will create new opportunities for collaboration for a statecraft incubation process. The GCC is positioned to actualize this. Omanis retain neutrality and independence, which allow them to lead the state incubation process in vital roles and positions. Their values of meritocracy, egalitarianism, and piety will come in handy for all parties so that appropriate blueprints can be laid out for Palestinians to meet the aspirations of the Abraham Accords.