{"product_id":"oman-1","title":"Oman","description":"The Sultanate of Oman overlooks one of the most strategic waterways in the Middle East: the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing the guardianship of the Strait with Iran, Oman's position is of key importance to the security of the entire Gulf, which holds a large portion of the world's oil resources. In a 1970 palace coup, Sultan Qaboos ibn Sa'id overthrew the repressive and reclusive rule of his father and embarked on a program of modernization. Oman became one of the success stories of the developing world, instituting a modern educational system, creating a modern infrastructure, becoming an oil exporter, and constucting an elaborate social welfare system.\n\nToday the country faces a host of challenges. Oman cannot defend itself from hostile neighbors without assistance. Restructuring Omani society and the economy present even greater difficulties. Moreover, change must occur at a time when Islamic movements pose a significant political threat, and oil income is not sufficient to meet the country's social and economic needs. Professor Riphenburg has provided a survey that will be invaluable to all students and researchers of the modern Middle East.","brand":"Bloomsbury Publishing Plc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54218792599896,"sku":"9780275961442","price":87.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9780275961442_7f85c089-17da-48eb-8b1f-e4ef79d96914.jpg?v=1769660115","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/oman-1","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}