Update (4) on Protests

Dear Readers,.

What an AMAZING WEEK for Salalah! Protests still going strong at this end of the country. Here are some mini-updates in point form. My thoughts aren't fully organized:
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(1) Protests started after Friday prayers last week. They marched from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in central to Salalah to the gates of the Minister of State & Governor of Dhofar's Office. They set up camp and have been there ever since..
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(2) Numbers increase by the day. Most people show up in the late afternoon and evenin after work. By 10 p.m it's almost impossible to get anywhere near there.

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(3) Supporters who have been unable/unwilling to actually join the protests have been sending donations.

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(4) There are a team of VERY WELL ORGANIZED people who are collecting donations, arranging meals, etc.

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(5) They now have a stage, speakers system, etc. People give talks all evening.

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(6) The police have done nothing to break up the crowds.

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.(7) The crows have done NOTHING violent. They spend all day sitting and talking quietly on the ground.

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(8) What was formerly called 'The Governor's Parking Lot' (huge) is now called 'Freedom Square'.

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(9) There was a completely seperate march last week supporting the Sultan. Protesters feel it wasn't the right time.

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(10) Governor of Dhofar & Minister of State (all one person :) met with heads of tribes at the end of the week to advise them not to support the alternative march.

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(11) The letter of demands that was delivered to the Sultan includes a longlist of demands. Very few have been met over the past few days. His Majesty has been issuing royal decrees all week to try and meet the demands.
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(12) Protesters claim they're not moving until their 'main' demands have been met (i.e. increase in wages, removal of several key ministers, etc).

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(13) This morning thousands and thousands and thousands (I hear between seven to nine thousands people) joined the protesters for Friday prayers in 'Freedom Square'. The mosques were deserted. The sermon given at the square was different than the one from the mosques. If anyone has the text of the sermon/speech, PLEASE SEND IT TO ME.

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(14) Despite the fact that there were thousands there, it was extremely quiet and peaceful. No violence. Just prayers.

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(15) I am very very very proud of the Dhofari people for their behavior this past week.

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(16) If you have any additional info, photos, etc, please send to me.

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(17) It is 100% safe to go out into town. It's even cool to drive past the protesters and get a feel of what's going on. I've been there a few times and I'm a woman!

.Peace