However, strong tribal allegiances among the Turkmen can be a source of tension.

BBC: Turkmenistan profile

We no longer live in a world where New Musical Express and Rolling Stone codify the new sounds and new styles into neat definitions like punk and New Romantic for the kids to fix their tribal allegiances.

FORBES

"I am pleased that as a consequence of great effort by our troops -- but also as a consequence of a shift in allegiances among the Sunni tribal leaders as well as the decision of the Sadr militias to stand down -- that we've seen a quelling of violence, " he said.

CNN: Obama: Stability ultimately in hands of Iraqis