Class and Labor in Iran: Did The Revolution Matter?, by Farhad Nomani and Sohrab Behdad. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 2006. 268 pages, appendix, bibliography, index. US$24.95 (Paper) ISBN 0-8156-3094-8

Abstract

economic poverty, social isolation, and cultural atrophy until the oil exploration and exports began and the U.A.E. was formed. Focusing on Oman's history after becoming a British colony, the second section of the book entails an in depth analysis of the splitting of the Omani-African state and the separation of Zanzibar from Oman in 1861. The slave trade brought about much heated debate between the Omanis and British, particularly as it provided an important source of revenue for the sultan. For the next few decades, Oman would be plagued with various uprisings and revolutions. It was the discovery of oil in the region that brought a shift to Omani politics and freed it from isolation. This eventually led Oman to play a regional leadership role in economic, social, and political development within the Persian Gulf area. The author provides a comprehensive study of the history of Oman. In addition, he offers the reader with some predictions for the future of this strategically-located state. In terms of political development, it seems the transition to democracy will continue to be relatively successful for Oman, especially in comparison to the rest of the region. Oman has a stable economy that is rooted in its local democratic development. Moreover, the country also enjoys diverse natural resources, which are more significant than those in some neighboring states. Ghubash argues that it is the current democratic foundation that gives hope to Oman's potential for full democracy in the future. The author concludes by saying that Oman's recent "renaissance" has helped to bring this country into the 2 l century. From a modernization theory perspective, one may argue that Oman possesses the necessary criteria (including education, wealth, and democratic tradition) to allow democracy to flourish. Oman: The Islamic Democratic Tradition is thorough in its historical analysis of the rise and evolution of the Omani regime. On the whole, the author has done a fine job of describing the past actions, illustrating the present trends, and even making a few useful predictions about the future political and economic development of this significant state. Gina Solomon and Aida Latorre University of Central Florida