Protests across the Arab world: Oman
Protests began in January, with demands for more jobs, higher salaries and democratic reforms in the Gulf state, where ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id has been in power since 1970.
Sultan Qaboos announced several steps to try to end the protests. He pledged to create 50,000 government jobs, and provide a monthly benefit of $390 to the unemployed. He also changed his cabinet three times over several weeks to appease anti-government protesters.
Until now, only the Omani ruler and his Cabinet could legislate. The sultan has just granted lawmaking powers to councils that previously had only advisory roles. But protests continue.
