Saudis: Not Rivals -- Enemies!

Reader comment on item: [Saudi Arabia:] Not Friend or Foe

Submitted by Steve Herman (United States), May 14, 2002 at 21:11

A rival is generally a friendly opponent who seeks to prevail in a contest for a specific objective, such as selling more cars, cameras, or televison sets. Japan is a rival of the US. Germany is a rival. Italy is a rival.

An enemy is a hostile opponent who seeks our destruction. Iraq is an enemy of the US. Al Quaeda is an enemy. Notwithstanding diplomatic pussy-footing, Saudi Arabia is an enemy.

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