Oman Government

There once was a boy who was shunned by his wealthy and powerful father. He was sent to a foreign land to be educated. To support himself, he had to join a foreign army. When at last his father sent for him, the young man hurried home full of expectations--only to learn he was to be kept out of sight.

The ruler of Oman, a key state in the international alliance against Iraq, took a major step toward political reform Sunday by announcing plans for a consultative assembly.