Abul Khair Khan vs Haitham bin Tariq

Abul Khair Khan led Kazakh forces in a series of campaigns against the Dzungar Khanate, which was expanding into Kazakh territories. He achieved several victories, including the recapture of key territories. These campaigns helped defend the Kazakh steppe from Dzungar conquest.

Abul Khair Khan, leader of the Junior Juz, swore allegiance to the Russian Empire to gain protection against the Dzungar Khanate and the Kalmyks. This alliance was formalized through a treaty, making the Junior Juz a Russian protectorate and beginning Russian expansion into the Kazakh steppe.

Abul Khair Khan engaged in a power struggle with the Khan of the Middle Juz, challenging his authority. This internal conflict weakened the Kazakh Khanate and led to further Russian interference in Kazakh affairs. The dispute was eventually mediated by Russian officials.

Haitham bin Tariq was appointed by his cousin, Sultan Qaboos, as Minister of Heritage and Culture. This role allowed him to oversee Oman's cultural preservation and tourism development, though he remained outside the direct line of succession.

Haitham bin Tariq launched Oman Vision 2040, a national development plan aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil, promoting private sector growth, and improving governance. The plan set targets for economic transformation and social development.

Facing low oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, Haitham bin Tariq implemented austerity measures including subsidy cuts, introduction of VAT, and reduction of public sector wages. These reforms aimed to reduce the budget deficit but caused public discontent.

Following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Haitham bin Tariq was named as his successor according to Qaboos's will. He became the Sultan of Oman, inheriting a stable but oil-dependent economy and a neutral foreign policy.