HM - Did I say that my statement was fact? I used the word "assume" as in assumption as in a reason to be positive. Wouldn't it be a reasonable "assumption" that the sultan would choose someone of like mind? It's not unreasonable ... and would be surprising if it weren't so. Ergo, I am assuming it to be a likely outcome ... but not based on any known fact. Just a likely outcome.

As for the first MOT and her untimely passing ... I don't see why you would connect that event with the current situation. She had a decision to make and a document to sign. Neither of which she was able to do before passing. The sultan has long ago made his decision and signed over the land to the RCA which has signed it over to the MOT. There are no further approvals nor actions (as far as I am aware) needed to be made by the sultan.

I am told by a reliable source that his succession plans are in place and that the country is aware of that fact. So steps, albeit unknown to us, ARE in place (I am assuming you are talking about succession planning, if not, then disregard this comment).

I think all of us can agree that we see very little positive since the deal was signed. So what? That doesn't mean work isn't being done behind the scenes. We have been given some updates and more are sure to come.

And duh, yeah it's a very complicated deal and anything can happen to make it unravel. That is not news. It's true of any major construction project ... many of which get completed.

The gist is a lot has occurred this past year after many, many delays. Now that the principal (but not sole) obstacle is behind us, all concerned parties are working to make Omagine a reality. Some very big hitters in the construction, project management, finance/banking arena are deeply involved. This is not an amateur's project.

That's my 2 cents.