The document contains summaries of four topics: 1) Oman is an Arab state in southwest Asia that maintains friendly ties with Iran. It has a monarchy government with the Sultan as head of state and no formal constitution. 2) Robert Clive was a British military leader in India in the 1700s who helped establish British control over India through victories like the Battle of Plassey and establishing the East India Company. 3) Somali pirates operate in small speedboats carrying grenade launchers and raid ships off the coast of Somalia. In 2010 they hijacked over 50 ships. The Somali government benefits economically from their activities. 4) Burma is a resource-rich country in Southeast Asia

1. By Alyssa CoweeHistory 5MONSOON: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power

2. OmanOman is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the only Arab countries that has kept friendly ties with Iran.

3. The Omanis main religious practice is Ibadism, but there are also Sunni Muslims, ShiaMuslims, Hindus, and Christians.

4. They don’t believe in democracy, but have a monarchy government. There is no formal constitution. They emphasize religion as a way to guide their people, rather than government. On November 6, 1996, a royal decree was issued which provides for a prime minister, establishes a bicameral parliament, and guarantees basic rights and responsibilities for Omani citizens. Robert Clive is known for launching political and military supremacy and creating the East India Company in Bengal for Britain in the 1700s, which allowed British control over all of India. He was also known as the “Clive of India”. Robert Clive Clive participated in many battles and eventually was appointed as a captain. In 1751, he led an expedition to Trichinopoly . With only 200 European and 300 Indian troops, he captured Arcot,ChandaSahib’s capital, and fought against 10,000 troops.

5. In 1765, Clive and the British had control over Delhi. The Battle of Plassey ended with the British re-capturing Calcutta, the most valuable port in India, and the British gaining control over all of BengalSomali Pirates Somali Pirates are far from the stereotypical pirates with eye patches and wooden legs. These pirates carry rocket-powered grenades and raid ships from their small speed boats. They work in groups of around ten.