Well, if that is indeed the case, then it sounds like they still need a little work.

That being said, I think I've heard something about a major Pahlava revamp for the next release, including a revamp of the pastoral/nomadic government system....They should be able to recruit regionals in most cities they conquered in real life (assuming there are some available), but I'm unsure if that's the way there set up as of right now....