ranging role in their tribes, including ensuring reconciliation and consensus among members. Ali Al-Lakhami, Chief of the Balsham Tribe in Baha, said the chief plays the role of a judge who settles disputes and solves various emergencies. He also expedites transactions at various government agencies. Muhammad Bin Musbeh, Chief of the Baljurshi Tribe in Baha, agrees with Al-Lakhami and says that he has ensured that the elders of the tribe agreed to fix the amount for a dowry and a system for wedding parties. He praised the elderly and the youth of the tribe for their cooperation and mutual respect. Osman Al-Suwaid, Chief of Beni Kabeer in Baha, said that the chief plays an important role in the life of the tribe because he is committed to service without expecting any financial compensation. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Bin Hashem, Chief of Beni Khaithm in Baha, said a tribe consists of a number of villages and is headed by a person called “Al-Sheikh” who is appointed or selected. He said in most cases the title of sheikh is inherited from forefathers. The nomination of Al-Sheikh is made through a vote. “Most of the tribes prefer that the sheikh is from the descendants of the previous sheikhs.” He said the tribe instills amongst its members obedience and loyalty to the country, respect for laws and agreements and rejection of fundamentalism and extremism.
