1.) Sneak attack without warning, kill as many civilians as possible (suicide vest, rocket attack, etc)
2.) Before any retaliation takes place, disavow any knowledge of the attack.
3.)When retaliation does take place, start moaning about "innocent" casualties.
4.)When getting your a$$ kicked, scream for the "international community" to condemn your enemies.
5.) Bluster about having tighter sheep than the next tribe. (OK, that was just wrong...)
6.) Rinse and repeat as needed.
Seems to work for the every time. It's like your favorite football team running a wide-out every single play and yet somehow seeming to be winning and gathering fans.