identity and neutralism in Oman's foreign policy in the Middle East

There are significant differences between Oman's foreign policy compared to others Persian Gulf Arab state, and Omani politicians have demonstrated a unique foreign policy in addressing the challenges of the Middle East. In the Iraq-Iran war, Oman's political leaders, unlike other Persian Gulf  states, did not line up to support Iraq and sought to maintain relations with both sides in the war. After the challenge in the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, this country has maintained its relations with other Arab countries on the Persian Gulf at the level of diplomatic relations. Unlike most countries in the Persian Gulf region, Oman not only did not call for a diplomatic embargo on Egypt after the Camp David Accords, but also tried to pave the way for its return to the Arab world. After the so-called Arab Spring upheavals and the diplomatic crisis in relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Oman has not only opposed the Qatar embargo, but has also tried to end the crisis while maintaining relations with both sides. One of the most important factors that has caused Oman to behave differently in foreign policy compared to other Persian Gulf countries is its identity. Because the identity of countries has an important role in the foreign policy of countries. Accordingly, this study examines the question of how identity has affected Oman's foreign policy?. Examines the hypothesis that Omani identity has influenced the country's foreign policy by accepting pluralism and has led to a neutral and mediated approach.Among the concepts that are selected as focal concepts in foreign policy, the concept of identity has a special place. In a general definition, identity refers to the distinctiveness of an actor. To understand the behavior of different actors, including countries, one can obtain valuable information by focusing on the identity of the actor. Becausse identity is the motivating factor for international actors. To determine how identity affects the foreign policy of countries, the value approach can be used as a framework for action, The three components of value, priority and foreign policy actions are the most important focal concepts of this analytical approach. In this approach, in order to explain the causal actions, priority is placed between values and foreign policy actions. In other words, value determines the priority of a particular action in foreign policy. The value perceived by decision makers leads them to choose a particular priority in foreign policy.Oman has the majority of Ibadi religion. Ibadia has full tolerance towards other religions, cultures and even other sections within Islam as a strong pillar in its spiritual, moral and cultural orientations.  Accordingly, the Ibadiyya religion helped create a culture of tolerance and social cohesion in Oman. Oman's identity has facilitated many diplomatic initiatives and mediation, and identity diversity has provided the potential for the country to play a mediating role in regional crises.