February 26, 2007
Cheney arrives in Persian Gulf for talks with U.S. ally Oman
Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Vice President ***** Cheney landed in the
U.S.-allied Arab monarchy of Oman on Sunday and went directly to talks
with its foreign minister, Omani government officials said.
A U.S. embassy spokesman in Oman declined to detail Cheney's plans or the
focus of his visit to the sparsely populated oil-producing state, which
allows the United States use of four air bases.
Oman sits across the strategically important Strait of Hormuz from Iran,
through which two-fifths of the world's oil passes.
The sultanate allows the United States to use the air bases -- including
one just 50 miles from Iran -- for refueling, logistics and storage of
pre-positioned military supplies. Little has been revealed publicly about
U.S. military ties with the reclusive Oman, an isolated country on the
southeastern corner of the Arabian peninsula that has been a quiet U.S.
military ally for decades.
"The Omanis are very careful not to associate themselves with American
forces. There are major objections to U.S. activities in Oman, and they
don't want a large visible presence," said Mustafa Alani, a Gulf Research
Center military analyst.
The visit to Oman was Cheney's second during his tenure.
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