A Sultan Speaks His Mind

In the Cabinet room of his new $15 million royal palace on the Muscat waterfront, Sultan Qaboos bin Said sits on a throne emblazoned with the royal coat of arms, crossed swords held together by a khanjar, the distinctive dagger worn by Omani males. On his desk, along with several folders marked "top secret," is a copy of Jane's Fighting Ships. His headdress is purple silk; his robe is white and partially covered by a black cloak trimmed with gold. At his waist is a khanjar, the hilt marked with a design to be used only by the ruler. The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview for TIME in which the Sultan describes the situation in the gulf as "alarming."

On Oman's support for the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty: I sincerely believe a first step toward a lasting peace must be made. For a long time nobody had the guts to try, and then Sadat did it. I believe his was a necessary step, a courageous one because without a start you can't do anything. Signing is only a first step, it is not the final step. The Egyptian government has assured us of this, and we believe what they say.

On the Arab boycott of Egypt: Has any boycott ever succeeded? I expect the present one will be short-lived. We are brothers. Brothers quarrel but their quarrels don't last long.

On Soviet intentions: It's no secret what the Soviets are doing. They plan to extend their influence in the gulf. They have already gained South Yemen, which is the Soviet base for making trouble elsewhere in this area. Here in Oman we have firsthand experience with how they use people, encourage and aid troublemakers. The Russians wait for opportunity, then they jump. We are prepared to stop troublemakers, but if a Soviet-planned aggression gets too big, we will need support. Sadat will send us military help without hesitation. Saudi Arabia is [also] an obvious power in this area.

On the role of the U.S.: We look at the U.S. and see the greatest superpower on earth. In every respect we believe you have the capability to make this a happy world. We also ask, is that your wish, your perception of the American role? Quite frankly, we perceive SALT as of little consequence or meaning to the gulf. What we need is a clear drawing of the line against Soviet involvement in this area. The U.S. position should be clear, without ambiguity. You should not allow the Russians to undermine your friends and, in the process, America itself. I am not by nature an alarmist, but the situation here has reached alarming proportions. You still have time for a new professional diplomatic initiative and declaration, but if you ignore, dismiss or neglect this opportunity, then I fear that the future of the gulf will be placed in grave peril.

On his monarchy: I would very much like to feel that I am not carrying all the burdens of building our country, as it may appear, entirely by myself. I'd like to see us create a democracy for Oman, and I sincerely hope that day is not too far distant. I am guiding my people toward that day. In terms of being a part of the modern world, we are only eight years old. I don't want to be a monarch who never gives up the burden and doesn't share it. The monarch who carries all the burden in the end also carries all the blame.

On his own safety: Any head of state is usually a target for assassination. I'm not worried. We all live a certain time. When the time is up, we go, and that's that. I go everywhere. I drive my own car. I usually like to drive in the first car of a convoy because that way I see more of my people and my country. That's what I live for, and that's what I'll die for.

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