That's probably true. These folks just seemed so much - well, slicker than the Iraqis usually are.
For all the inability of Arabs and Persians to engage in meeting engagement warfare in the last five centuries they have always been very good at guerrilla warfare. TE Lawrence noted their skill in the " Seven Pillars of Wisdom".
When Kipling mentioned the arab smile he knew what he was talking about. There is no more disingenuous gesture on earth. It often precedes a dagger in the back.