Trained to fight, they've also taken on the role of diplomats and mayors and development experts, negotiating with tribal sheikhs, working with village shuras, partnering with communities.

Prominent Shia tribal sheikhs of Najaf and Ayatollah Muhammad Kashif al-Ghita met preceding the events, with the "People's Charter" discussed.

The tribal sheikhs claimed 20,000 people were affected by the expulsion.

Sheikh Sittar - Iraqi tribal sheikh.

His grandfather was a tribal sheikh.

In practice, they behave like tribal sheikhs and super-governors, parceling out new schools, water projects, and money.

In addition, the views of important members of Saudi society, including the ulema (religious scholars), leading tribal sheikhs, and heads of prominent commercial families are considered.

Tribal identity remains strong and, outside of the royal family, political influence is frequently determined by tribal affiliation, with tribal sheikhs maintaining a considerable degree of influence over local and national events.

Local non-mamluk warriors were often more loyal to their tribal sheikhs, their families, or nobles than to the sultan or caliph.

There was also fear that without him civil war could erupt as tribal sheikhs with political ambitions vied for the top job.