Another important figure within the movement is Tareq al-Fadhli, an Islamic tribal sheikh and head of a prominent southern family.

ECONOMIST: Yemen is threatened by secessionists and terrorists alike

At least two members of the rubber-stamp parliament, a tribal sheikh and several figures from the ruling Baath party in Deraa, have recently defected.

ECONOMIST: Revolt and repression in Syria

Another of the tribal leaders is Sheikh Awad Ali Hussein(ph), of the Abu Theeb tribe.

NPR: Sunni Sheiks Join Iraqi Police to Fight Al Qaida