"شخصيات، شبه الجزيرة العربية" [‎٢‎٥‎٦] (٣٧٤/٢٦٠)

256
The fighting strength of the Sultan, including his 'Asakir or standing
army, is as follows :
Troops at Medak, Nisab, Wadi Dhura, Wadi Abadan (or Abdan),
\\ asat, and Beihan ..... 1,100
Ahl Ma'an and Treaty Tribes .... 4,900
Ahl Mehajir and Nasayin ..... 4,400
10,400
In case of a great emergency the Sultan would, as suzerain, secure
the services of the desert tribes lying east and north-east of the Hammam
as far as human life can be supported in the desert. The Beihan tribes
would join as a matter of policy, for they are too close to escape being
crushed by the fall of the 'Aulaqi dynasty. The people of Jauf would
certainly throw in their lot with the 'Aulaqi, for it has always been the
policy of the Nisab Sultans to keep in touch with the parent tribeship,
and Jaufi chiefs are often entertained at Nisab. The Khalifah of Hadhinah
would also come forward, as a serious reverse to Upper 'Aulaqi would
cut them off from all their trade routes to Nisab, Yeshbum, and Habban.
Lower 'Aulaqi would follow the lead of the Ahl Ma'an, as between
Umm Rusas abu Farid and 'Ali abu Muhsin, the paramount chief of the
Ba Kazim, there is firm friendship and also a defensive treaty. Only
in the case of aggression against the 'Abdali Sultan would the Ba Kazim
keep out, there being a close alliance between 'Ali abu Muhsin and the
'Abdali Sultan.
If the position of Dathinah is considered, it will be seen that the
Oleh confederacy must join in or be annihilated, and besides, their
sympathies are with the 'Aulaqi.
Under such circumstances the forces may be estimated as follows :
Upper 'Aulaqi ......
. 10,400
Lower 'Aulaqi ......
4,800
Jauf and tribes between them and Beihan .
. 12,000
Beihan .......
6,000
Desert tribes, Ahl Karab, &c.
8.000
Khalifah of Hadhinah ....
0
0
q
H
Oleh of Dathinah .....
• 3,200
45,400
The Ahl Bunyar, who number about 4,000, are excluded, as they
would follow the Beida Sultan, and some tribes, whose forces are not
known, are also omitted.
The supply of breech-loading rifles amongst those tribes has increased
enormously during the last few years, and they have some good mounted
troops. Their military spirit is undeniable, their history for the last
century being full of martial episodes.