After Sultan Qaboos, Oman to retain its treasured neutrality

DUBAI — The sultanate of Oman, positioned geographically and diplomatically between regional powers of Riyadh and Tehran, earned outsize influence under the long reign of the late Sultan Qaboos. As the health of the royal ruler declined, and speculation turned to who would succeed him in the absence of an heir, there were questions over the future of Oman and its role as a valued mediator in a troubled region. However, with the passing on Friday of the 79-year-old sultan and the swift appointment of like-minded cousin Haitham bin Tariq as his successor, observers say Oman appears on track to retain its treasured status as a neutral peacemaker. To do so though, the new sultan will need to...