Since the seventh century, Oman has been an Islamic country, falling under Portuguese rule in the early 1500s. In 1650, Omani citizens revolted, regaining control of the majority of their land until 1741 when Persia took over. Upon signing a friendship treaty with Great Britain in 1798, Oman gained independence, but its troubles were not over. Between 1932 and 1970, a repressive ruler, Sultan Said bin Taimer, sparked a series of revolts in the Dhofar province, which ended when the Sultan’s son, Qaboos bin Said, overthrew him and began modernizing the country. Today, Oman is working to clear the landmines left over from these disputes.

Since the seventh century, Oman has been an Islamic country, falling under Portuguese rule in the early 1500s. In 1650, Omani citizens revolted, regaining control of the majority of their land until 1741 when Persia took over. Upon signing a friendship treaty with Great Britain in 1798, Oman gain...