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309
This traditional conception of authority clearly
constitutes a major obstacle to the functioning of
leadership in the moshav. But it is not the sole or even
the primary factor in the situation; it must be viewed
in conjunction with situational determinants, which are
partly connected with the structure of external relations,,
and partly with the internal structure of the community.
Political allegiance or alignment, is marked by intense
factional dissension, which is in turn built on the
recognition of sub-ethnic and kin ties. But it is my
contention that factional disputes arise out of the very
nature of the situation to which the''Yenenis are forced to
adapt. The moshav system, -with its emphasis on communal
goals and cooperation in a small village context, produces
hostilities, instead of communal solidarity. The composition
of opposed groups is highly-fluid, and this in turn
weakens the authority of factional leaders.
Most leadership roles in the moshav mediate
between
the community and the absorbing society, and this in turn
adds to the insecurity of the leader. The nature of this
situation is such as to bring out an element of flexibility
and malleability which is demonstrated by some leaders.
The situation which is described here is to be found
in many other Yemeni moshavim; and what, is particularly
striking-is the fact that successful leaders in most of
these communities seem to combine wiliness with flexibility
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