... with mostly the same result each and every time without fail, especially if such 'do something' involve asymmetric warfare, with War of Independence being, I believe, the sole exception when the British lined themselves up in neat roles to be taken down ...
stratfor.com
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Oman Statement Blow to U.S. Plans for Iraq
2 May 2002
Omani Foreign Minister Yussef bin Alawi bin Abdullah said in an interview published May 2 that his government -- a key U.S. ally in the Middle East -- would never allow a military strike on another Arab country from its territory, Saudi-owned daily Asharq al-Awsat reported. The minister also warned the United States against the consequences of another offensive in the Middle East.
Yussef's statements refer to recent speculation that Washington is preparing another military campaign against Iraq. Oman's commitments in both the Arab world and internationally prevent the government from participating in such an "adventure," he said, adding that, "I believe the Americans know that very well."
The announcement comes as a blow to Washington, which for the last two decades has used Oman as a logistics and intelligence center for U.S. operations in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. Oman is host to U.S. Air Force pre-positioning sites in Masirah, Seeb and Thumrait, with enough equipment and fuel to maintain three air bases and 26,000 support personnel.
The U.S. military has already used the base in Masirah for its campaign in Afghanistan. As of mid-January, Washington has stationed tankers, bombers and Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft in Oman to support military actions in Afghanistan, as well as AC-130 gunships and F-15E fighters.
Due to its proximity to Iraq, and the fact that it is closer than Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan and possible anti-terrorism target Yemen, Oman is strategically advantageous for U.S. military operations. But the government's refusal to allow the United States to use its well-supplied bases in Oman against Iraq could severely impede efforts to begin a military campaign against Baghdad.
The country earlier this year seemed to be positioned as an alternative to Saudi Arabia, another important location for U.S. forces that has also reportedly refused to allow an Iraqi strike from its territory. This leaves Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey as Washington's remaining options for bases of operations.
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