Who Is the Real Enemy?

I would argue that neither should be our enemy, and that neither is truly our friend either.

First, this is an opinion piece. And the author spends actually little time discussing the Iran vs Saudi Arabia question, and is clearly a 'intelligentsia elitist' based upon his numerous potshots (this statement, in my opinion, is indicative of this: "unfortunately become part of the American Exceptionalism DNA".).

While I agree the Saudi Arabia question is real, and their support for radical Wahabbism (sp?) is definitely problematic at best - recent events in SA and the raising up of the new Crown Prince, does signal a possible moderation. The author ignores this. SA also doesn't openly call for the destruction of the US.

Understanding this is written from a leftists view point, there are some decent suggestions.

It is a sad fact is at the wahhabism that's been taught in the madrasas in the poor countries of the Middle East and in Afghanistan and Pakistan has radicalized many a Muslim to follow wahhabi extremism. We will have to play it by ear but Iran want to destroy Israel and salary Arabia is pretty much left it alone while Iran sponsors Hezbollah and the gives Comfort the Palestinians on the Gaza Strip.