It is often argued that a ‘renaissance’ occurred in Oman during Qaboos bin Said’s first decade in power. The British were anxious to downplay their role in Oman, and instead, the Sultan relied on a clique known as the ‘mafia’ who played a key role in Oman. The Sultanate underwent rapid economic growth during the 1970s, which was affected by vicissitudes in the international oil market. Fighting the insurgency in Dhofar was heavily reliant on assistance from the British, Iran, and Jordan. One of the least well-known aspects of the counterinsurgency in Dhofar was the role played by psychological warfare. Nonetheless, the war in Dhofar was a coercive campaign, and defeating the insurgents took precedence over hearts and minds policies and development initiatives.