Statebuilding and Counterinsurgency in Oman.

By James Worrall, the book outlines Political, Military and Diplomatic Relations at the End of Empire. (Post-war Middle East)

"An insight into the history of Britain's post-war involvement in Middle East Affairs leading to withdrawal from the Middle East yet retaining the interests of an emerging Oman post the Coup of 1970 when Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id replaced his father.

Fully referenced and definitive, the narrative of the book is easy to follow and outlines the wranglings within British Government departments in order to satisfy declared withdrawal policies while also seeking to strengthen Gulf region against emerging terrorist threats. The threats were real and Britain led the support against Oman's Armed struggles within its borders.

The history told is all the more relevant to anyone who served in Oman, and knowing many of the political and military appointees, the realities of what transpired creates a fuller understanding of how important is was to win the war in Dhofar and what it took to achieve victory." DJC

The DNA of Salalah, Dhofar.

By Maria Dekeersmaeker. Although not specifically about the Dhofar War the book gives incredible historical detail.

"In The DNA of Salalah, Dhofar. A Tourist Guide the author gives the reader a glimpse of the life before the young Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the current leader, deposed his father in 1970 and commenced with the modernization of Oman, the so-called Renaissance.

In the chapter the 'Bird's Eye View' the Arabian Partridge flying above the Jabel Al Qamar tells the reader that this idyllic, arid coloured landscape once was disturbed by mortar fire during the Dhofar War, an almost forgotten war between 1965 and 1975.

'The DNA of Salalah, Dhofar' by Maria Dekeersmaeker is indeed 'A' special Tourist Guide with a lot of in-depth information about a beautiful region in the Sultanate of Oman."

IN THE SERVICE OF THE SULTAN.
by Ian Gardiner, Seconded from the Royal Marines, 1973 - 75 (Later Brigadier)
Published by Pen & Sword Books Ltd 2006 (Select the book image)

"Ian Gardiner creates a graphic yet very accurate account of what it was like to serve with the Sultan's Armed Forces at a critical period of the Dhofar Insurgency and the civil development that was essential for success during the campaign.

Many of the personalities he mentions featured in my own sphere of training contacts.

Ian's book is a gripping read which brings back memories of some exceptional soldiers." - DJC

WE WON A WAR.
by John Akehurst, Seconded as Commander (Brigadier) Dhofar Brigade, 1974-76
Michael Russell (Publishing) Ltd -1982- (Not currently in print)

"John Akehurst, (later General Sir John Akehurst), provides a strategic military history of the Dhofar 'war', in particular 1974 - 1975, and as the Brigadier in Dhofar at the official conclusion of hostilities, he was well qualified to pen his personal touch to the leadership, prowess and success he achieved.

His book is modestly forthright about the events leading to the conclusion of the Campaign and is a worthy read for those able to obtain a copy or who wish to study Military History in the Middle East."

Postscript - "Brigadier John also 'suffered' as we learned colloquial 'Jaysh Arabic' at the Army School of Languages before moving to Oman. I remember well, during shared weekend car travel to Warminster, the passenger shuffled translation cards and questioned on arabic or english translations. Not a minute was wasted in our language learning.

I had the pleasure of renewing our acquaintance in 1986 when he was representing HM Government on a visit to Saudi Arabia at the conclusion of a Military School of Signals Construction Project with which I had six years of involvement.

Sadly, General Sir John died in February 2007 "
- DJC

OMAN'S INSURGENCIES - The Sultanate's Struggle for Supremacy

J. E. Peterson has produced a detailed history concentrating on the 1950's Jebel Akhdar War of Northern Oman and the 1960s - 70s Dhofar War of the South of Oman.

It elaborates on the changes in Oman produced by the transition from a tribal state which was only partly controlled to a now modern regime, inclusive and progressive, and the development of success in terms of security and the formation of modern armed forces.

"A detailed account of what happened, many of the personalities involved, and the book creates an interesting insight into the political and military support given by Great Britain."

- DJC