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The War in Northern Oman (9781913336332) Muscat and the Sultanate Of Oman 1954-1962 Helion & Company via Casemate UK


Julien

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The War in Northern Oman (9781913336332)

Muscat and the Sultanate Of Oman 1954-1962

Helion & Company via Casemate UK

 

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The Muscat and Sultanate of Oman bring about visions of flowing dessert, however the area at the entrance to the Persian Gulf is also strategic, this was realised by the western nations such as Portugal and later the British. Even in the 1950s before the discovery of major oil the areas biggest export was still dates.  The Jebel Akhad War broke out in 1954 and again in 1957.  This was lead by locals in the interior of the area to protect The Imamate of Oman. This was a historical state within the borders of Oman. It was thought there were oil reserves in this area, and the Sultan in Muscat licenced prospecting in the region, The Sultan's forces backed by the British then moved on the area. Following a series of losses into 1957 the British extended its military aid, including the dispatch of RAF aircraft from nearby Aden.  Decisive action from the British brought about an end to the war in 1959 with the structure of the region then being debated by the Arab League, and the UN without an real resolution.

 

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While the later war in Oman and the Dhofar Rebellion is better known, this period of war in the late 1950s is relatively unknown. Although smaller in nature it was important for the region. Declassified information from British archives does not paint the Colonial "advisors" in too great a picture with attacks on civilians, crops and irrigation systems. No warnings were given by the RAF attacking civilian targets. Much of this went unreported as the Sultanate denied visas to any and all members of the press. When questions were asked in the the British Parliament it was said The Imamate had broken the Treaty of Seeb between it and Muscat (This had granted autonomy to The Imamate while recognising the Sovereignty of Muscat). However again declassified British documents show this to false with the British colluding as early as 1945 to advance into the interior of the country in the advance of oil companies, and to prop up the Sultan.

 

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The book is 56 pages long with 8 pages of colour profiles, photos, and maps in the centre.  it gives a brief history of the region prior to 1954, then looks comprehensively at the period up to 1962 concentrating on the military action and its consequences. Focus is made of the Men, and their equipment, and in the air power brought to the region and against which the local tribes men had virtually no defence. 

 

Conclusion

This is an excellent detailed book on this period of the regions bloody history which is largely unknown. Highly recommended. 

 

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