Salaam.
(1) In 9:97, it is said that Al A'raab are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy....
In 9:99, it is said that among Al A'raab, there are those who believe in Allah, and the Last Day....
Both these cannot be applied to our times because it is specified that all this relates to the time of Prophet Muhammed:
Sura 9 mostly deals with the great tention between the Believers on the one hand, and, the Hypocrites and hardened Disbelievers on the other.
If you read on at least from verse 90, it will be clear that it is all related to a specific period.
(2) In the first verse Al A'raab are mentioned without mentioning an exception. But it is clear from the context, and from subsequent verses that it is not without exceptions.
(3) Similar language is found in another context:
In 5:51, the Believers are asked not to befriend Al Yahood and Al Nasaaraa....
But, in view of the above verse, we cannot overlook verses like 5:82, 9:66, 3:110-115, 60:7-8.
(4) That Al A'raab are a class by themselves (whether majority or minority), is evident from 9:101, where Al A'raab are mentioned as a separate category from Ahlil Medina.
That Al A'raab used to be roam the deserts, is evident from 33:20, wherein a party is accused of being untrustworthy, and, among their tendencies is mentioned:
"They think that Al Ahzab (the Confederates) have not yet withdrawn, and that if Al Ahzab should come (again), they would wish they were wandering the deserts along with, (or in or among) Al A'raab......"
Regards,
A. Ismail Sait.