OK, back to the real issue under discussion here. I chose to separate the two issues into two separate posts.
AMF, you're right about at least one thing; we are definitely talking past each other here.
Let me make a request. Have a look here at the Wiktionary definitions of
de facto and
de jure.
If I understand correctly, you are arguing that "they cannot be our enemies, because if they were our enemies, we would not be able to operate in that area". Your reasoning in support of that argument is impeccable, and I would not question it in any way. Believe it or not, I was actually aware of 90% of that
I am arguing that, "They are our
de facto enemies because they hate our wormy guts and would gladly see us all burn in hell."
Bro, those two statements are not mutually exclusive. Or even directly contradictory.