#OMAN: Lower House Expands Israeli Boycott Rules

[world politics news]

Oman’s lower house of parliament voted to expand its Israel boycott law on Monday, amid speculation in Israeli press that certain restrictions could be lifted.

The Majlis al-Shura, or Consultative Assembly, voted to amend the first clause of its Israel boycott law to include any sports, cultural or economic contact. The amendment also specifically bans in-person or online interaction with Israelis.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#OMAN: Gov't Plans To Implement Value Added Tax By 2021

[world politics news]

Oman’s Finance ministry said its plans to introduce a value-added tax are on track as it works on completing legislation procedures to issue the new tax law..

No date was given for the implementation of the new tax but a document seen by Reuters showed that Oman plans to introduce the VAT in 2021, further delaying a measure that economists say could be politically sensitive at a time of sluggish growth and high unemployment.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#OMAN: Social Media Legislation Aimed At "Attacks On Private Persons, The Country, Groups"

[world politics news]

A new law being prepared by the Shura Council, Oman's 86-member lower house of parliament, will not limit a person's ability to say his or her opinion, according to Council Member H.E. Ali al Maashani. "We are not thinking of limiting a person's ability to speak their opinion, given that the opinion is headed in a positive direction. We are only talking about the ethical implications of attacking either a private person, the country, or a group of individuals," said al Maashani, who heads the council's Media and Culture committee. Currently, Oman's Penal Law contains legislation designed to protect individuals from personal attacks.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

QATAR

Gulf Countries to Blacklist Hezobollah As Terrorist Group [world politics news]

The Gulf Cooperation Countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman - are beginning to stake steps to officially blacklist Hezbollah, the Lebanese group that has declared allegiance to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and has been seen as a threat to several Gulf countries. Bahrain blacklisted Hezbollah in April.