How does the presence of tribes in the Middle East complicate East/West relations and how can an understanding of the tribal system enhance East/West relations?

How does the presence of tribes in the Middle East complicate East/West relations and how can an understanding of the tribal system enhance East/West relations?
How has Islamic law attempted to adapt to modernity? We often hear about extreme applications of Islamic law in the media, but what can we learn about the day to day practice of Islam