Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah is the unsung diplomatic hero who spent decades orchestrating Oman's quiet climb up the geopolitical ladder. As Oman’s former Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2020, this statesman played a pivotal role in navigating tricky global waters. Despite his monumental contributions, the mainstream media has shockingly overlooked his legacy, perhaps because it doesn't fit the liberal narrative. But make no mistake—this man’s achievements are nothing short of phenomenal.
The Sultanate of Oman may not grab headlines like its turbulent neighbors, but that’s exactly why Alawi’s work is so crucial. In a Middle East teetering on chaos, Oman’s stability and non-aligned stance appear almost miraculous. Alawi, an astute politician born in 1945, ensured that Oman remained a bastion of peace. His career was defined by pragmatic engagements and strategic foresight, whether dealing with the Western bloc, Middle Eastern conflicts, or Asian powers.
For decades, while others played checkers, Alawi played 4D chess. He ensured Oman maintained a fine balance, securing both Eastern and Western friendships. When conflicts flared up in neighboring Yemen or Iran, it wasn't saber-rattling or virtue-signaling that kept the calm, but Alawi’s calculated diplomacy. Again and again, Alawi managed to bring conflicting parties to the table, proving that dialogue triumphed over discord when men of substance were at the helm.
But there’s more to Alawi than navigating complex international crises. He participated in groundbreaking dialogue with Iran and the US during a time when few countries had the courage to do so. His efforts contributed significantly to the diplomatic thaw that led to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Not that liberals would acknowledge a conservative powerhouse orchestrating peace talks. In a world where everyone is quick to shout and even quicker to ignore, Alawi’s nuanced approach offered a masterclass in statesmanship.
Far from the chaos of populist grandstanding, his work mattered where it counted most—behind closed doors discussing real issues. He played a role akin to a geopolitical tightrope walker, balancing Oman’s interests while mediating international tensions. In his unique position, he executed policies that cemented Oman’s reputation as a neutral ground for mediation, and he did it without bending over backward to appease any particular side.
Alawi’s talent for diplomacy is reflected in the way Oman serves as a bridge-builder between Gulf Co-operation Council states, highlighting his pragmatic worldview. His negotiations were not public spectacles filled with empty promises but were instead focused and effective, producing tangible outcomes. While Oman isn't a military superpower, Alawi ensured it was a diplomatic heavyweight.
Had a liberal carried out such a list of achievements, we’d never hear the end of it. Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah demonstrated consistently that formidable diplomacy doesn’t need loud fanfare. It’s about getting results through strategic patience and engaging in dialogues that serve national and regional interests.
Sometimes the quietest in the room commands the most respect. It's baffling why Alawi's methods aren't discussed more in foreign policy circles especially when considering other nations are embroiled in never-ending conflicts. This isn’t just a lesson for Oman or the Middle East—it’s a lesson for the globe.
As Alawi steps into political retirement, the world would do well to revisit and study his contributions. For Oman, through his leadership, he has crafted a legacy of peace and diplomatic acumen that will be studied by serious policymakers for years to come. The large shoes left by Alawi are filled by Badr al-Busaidi, a man likely to continue Alawi’s trajectory in serving Oman’s regional stability.
Alawi's work is a testament to what conservative diplomacy can achieve when deployed by skilled and disciplined hands. His diplomatic footprint proves unequivocally that quiet resolve and steadfastness in principles often yield a more stable and prosperous outcome than the noise of aimless aggression does.