Oman - Oct 21
The leader of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, has been undergoing medical tests in Germany since July, prompting concerns he may be terminally ill. Qaboos has no direct heir to the throne, and for years experts have warned of a potential power vacuum if he were to die, leading to a succession crisis that could fuel instability across the country and the region. Qaboos has not only overseen the conversion of Oman into one of the wealthiest countries in the Gulf region, but has skillfully balanced relationships with and the interests of all influential actors in the region, including the US, UK, GCC, and Iran; his fall could strain relations between every actor in the Middle East. Source: Al-Monitor