Internet Visa Fraud
August 16, 2009

MUSCAT - Reports of fraudulent emails, websites, and print advertisements offering visa services are on the rise. The U.S. Embassy in Muscat reminds both citizens and residents of Oman to use caution when working with non-government entities to apply for a visa to the United States.

Many non-government websites offer legitimate services to assist individuals in applying for a visa, but some illegitimate entities claim to provide “visa services” as a cover for scams or identity theft.  (more)

Student Leaders Depart for Summer Program
June 23, 2009

Muscat -- The U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs office hosted a pre-departure orientation on June 22 for seven Omani college students who will be participating in the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders. The exchange program will take them to the United States for six weeks beginning June 28 to understand more about American culture and learn leadership skills. (more)

G8 Nations Agree to Cut Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
July 9, 2009

Washington — The effects of climate change are putting every country at risk and no one nation can address it alone, President Obama says, adding that the United States and other developed countries have a responsibility to take the lead in reducing carbon pollution that is causing global temperatures to rise. (more)

Obama’s Visit to Ghana Demonstrates Africa’s Importance to U.S.
July 9, 2009

Washington — President Obama is visiting Ghana July 10–11 as the third consecutive U.S. president to travel there because that country stands as an admirable example of strong, democratic governance and a vibrant civil society, and has achieved tremendous development progress over the past decade, a senior White House official said July 9. (More)

Obama giving speech in Moscow

Obama’s Speech in Moscow
July 7, 2009

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Well, congratulations, Oxana. And to the entire Class of 2009, congratulations to you. I don't know if anybody else will meet their future wife or husband in class like I did, but I'm sure that you're all going to have wonderful careers. (more)

Defense Secretary Gates addressed military leaders from Gulf states at a conference in Washington June 23.

Military Leaders from U.S., Gulf States Discuss Security Threats
June 24, 2009

Washington — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told military leaders from the Gulf region that today’s security environment in the Gulf poses dilemmas and opportunities that span all borders.

“They include Iran’s nuclear and missile program, terrorist networks, militias and criminal groups; Iraq’s nascent government and improved security situation; the enduring need to protect the free flow of trade and vital resources; (more)

Many Muslims Saw Hope, Change in Obama’s Cairo Speech
June 5, 2009

Washington — “The speech gave me hope that change can happen, especially by collaboration and by seeing common ground and interest,” 19-year-old Ingy Hassieb said. The Egyptian college student reflected on the words he had heard when the new American president, Barack Obama, came to Cairo with the call to initiate “a new beginning between the United States and Muslims.”

President Obama chose to make a speech to Muslims around the world from the historic campus of Cairo University on June 4, keeping a pledge he had made during his presidential campaign.  (more)

The U.S. Embassy Muscat announces The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program awards grants to Omani scholars to conduct research, lecture or to pursue combined lecturing and research in the United States.

Most grants are awarded for a period of 3-10 months.  Grants should not be for periods of less than 3 months or more than 10 months. (more)

The U.S. Embassy Announces The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program provides opportunities for young Omani teachers of English to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency, and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States.  Each FLTA Fellow will spend one year at a U.S. university where he/she will teach Arabic while enrolling in at least two U.S. studies or teaching methodology classes each semester. (more)

The U.S. Embassy Announces the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

The United States Embassy announces the opening of the application season for the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program.  The Humphrey Fellowship is a one year exchange program that brings mid-level professionals to the U.S. for academic study and research.  Any Omani citizen with a bachelor's degree, five years of professional experience, and a TOEFL score of 550 or above can apply for the program, which is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State.  Interested applicants should apply by September 1, 2009 (more)

L. Victor Hurtado, Charge d’Affaires, on the 2009 Trafficking  Report
June 17, 2009

Muscat – "On June 16, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the release of the 2009 Trafficking in Persons report.  This year, the TIP report ranks Oman on Tier 2, which represents significant improvement over last year's ranking.  This ranking, one of the best in the region, reflects the Sultanate's active commitment over the rating period to fight this global problem.  The passing of comprehensive anti-Trafficking legislation and the first prosecution under this law are just a few examples among many acknowledged in the report.  The upgrade to Tier 2 is the second time in the last year that the TIP report has improved the ranking of Oman." (more)