ocr: Sultan aboos isan authontarian but paternalistic monarch, whose dynasty traces its roots to the 18th century. In addition to being head of state,he is prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, defense and finance. The regime faces n0 serious challenge, although Qaboos keeps a careful eye on the religious right wing. In 1991,he took the step of creating the Consultative Council ("majlis al-shura' "), which gives a semblance of democ cracy. The main political issues include the planned privatization ofmedium-sized government projects, and the question of Oman's self- defense capability.
