Word: british
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...acrimonious debate over the shape of a new constitution, which would replace the British North America Act as the country's fundamental charter, centers on the distribution of power between the provinces and the federal government in Ottawa. Western Canadians feel that their interests have too long been ignored or overlooked by Ottawa and want a larger say in the nation's affairs. Overriding everything, of course, is the issue of separatism in Quebec, and Premier Levesque's plan to hold a referendum on a new form of "sovereignty-association" between his province and the rest...
...autonomy negotiations will be long and difficult. For the moment, though, both sides can take legitimate pride that the successful transfer of authority over El Arish was proof the treaty was working. The events, of course, had a special meaning for the people of El Arish, whom a former British governor of Sinai, C.S. Jarvis, once described as "a steady, virile race with a marked propensity for hard work but an extraordinarily crooked, suspicious outlook on life generally." One departing Israeli official noted sarcastically that the biggest Egyptian flags in El Arish last week were flying from the rooftops...
...mile coastline is on the direct sea route from Europe to Asia; the country's northern tip overlooks the preferred deep channel of the Strait of Hormuz, 40 miles wide at its narrowest, through which pass half of the world's oil tankers. Says a British major on contract duty with the Oman army: "One battery of artillery or missiles on the Omani side of the strait holds life or death power over the passage...
...schools. In 1970, the country had two nurses and twelve doctors; the totals today are 624 and 211. Color television and air conditioning are common; new construction is transforming the capital of Muscat into a dusty city of modern banks, hotels and low-cost housing. By and large, British industry and contractors are the biggest beneficiaries of the development spending. Britain's share last year is estimated at more than $400 million. Despite its oil income, Oman has had budget deficits of $20 million a year for the past two years; the Saudis have quietly picked...
...that he needs Britain now more than ever, since Iran will no longer be acting as policeman of the Persian Gulf. For the same reason, he is anxious for the U.S. to play a more active role. "The Sultan is in the cockpit of conflict," says one of his British officers. "How he flies will determine the future of several kings, including King Khalid of Saudi Arabia. What he's done in nine years shows that he's got the hang of it. I'd wager when the time comes, he'll not be found wanting...