Thread by @bmalsaif

THREAD: As expected, it is decrees season in #Oman. Sultan #Haitham just announced 10 more decrees today. Most important of them is the promotion of #Shihab bin Tariq to deputy prime minister for #defense affairs. What are the implications of this decision?

https://twitter.com/omannewsagency/status/1237000469119152129

2. Shihab bin Tariq (b. 1955) is the sultan's full, younger brother (by a year). Shihab and Haitham were part of the candidates list for sultan alongside their half brother, #Asaad. Shihab was #Qaboos's advisor (2004-20) and head of the research council among other duties.

3. Between 1990-04, Shihab was Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman. Shihab joins the government alongside his brothers, the sultan and Asaad. Both Asaad and Shihab are equally ranked at deputy prime minister. Yet are they really equal?

4. Asaad's portfolio - international cooperation - is important. But there are other ministers covering foreign affairs. Shihab seems to be in closer standing w/ this post. It has him & sultan responsible for defense since sultan still holds key min. posts inherited from #Qaboos

5. This decree rearranges standing of royal seniors bringing them closer to power where power will not be as centralized like the days of #Qaboos. Keep an eye on upcoming economic-related hires. That is the topic that will make or break #Oman.