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Enemy
Former enemy
US Enemy Countries / Enemies of the United States 2024
Iran
It could be disputes over oil, its relationship with Iran, the support of nefarious factions, or all the above. What is certain, is that the relationship between the US and Iran is strained, to say the least. And the truth is, since the 1979–81 Iran hostage crisis, things have never been the same between the two countries.
Syria
The conflict between Syria and the US didn't begin as a Syrian - US conflict, but as a Syrian civil war. Needless to say, once the US stepped in two help, all bets were off for an amicable relationship.
Iraq
There has been tension, war, and distrust between the US and Iran for decades. The Gulf War in the 1990s, the invasion of Kuwait, and other notable events have made Iran one of the top US enemy countries.
Libya
The relationship between Libya and the US has made marginal gains, but there is still a long way to go. The top reason Libya is perceived as one of the potential US enemy countries is its ties to terrorism, which led to targeted US bombing in the mid-1980s.
Somalia
While Somalia as a whole may not be considered one of the top US enemy countries, the terrorist factions within its borders keep it on the radar. That has also led to US military operations in Somalia as a part of counter-terrorism efforts.
Pakistan
The US relationship with Pakistan has been rocky, with a history of ups and downs. Due to its continued ties, interactions and affiliations, there remains a level of distrust in the motives and goals of the Pakistan nation.
Russia
Historically, Russia has always been one of the top US enemy countries. The conflicts between the two powers in both World Wars I and II have become that of historical record and lore. Currently, that unsettled relationship between the two powers has raised its head again with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea
Another US enemy country that needs little introduction is North Korea. The conflict and discord between the US and North Korea is well-documented, and not much of a secret to anyone. This is also another one of those US enemy countries that has a long history of bad blood and spilled blood.
Mexico
While Mexico wouldn't be considered a traditional US enemy country, it's proximity to the US, and its pipeline of terrorism and drugs into America make it a threat.
- The term "enemy" is an unofficial designation. As such, various sources' ideas of what constitutes an enemy and what does not will likely differ from one another.
Country | US Enemy Countries | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Sudan | Former enemy | Has historically sponsored terrorism against the US and responded to insurgent activity in its own Darfur region by committing ethnic cleansing. As with Libya, relations have improved in recent years. However, as of 2023, the government is unstable, as different factions of the country's armed forces fight one another for control. |
| Libya | Former enemy | Former leader Muammar Gaddafi and his government were known to fund terror attacks against the US in the 1980s. However, relations have warmed since the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, with the US frequently aiding the current government's fight against ISIL militants seeking to seize control of the country. |
| China | Enemy | Like Russia, seeks to usurp and/or undermine US global leadership in many categories, including international economic influence, political influence, and Olympic medal count. |
| Russia | Enemy | Long-running rival (as USSR and later as Russia) which actively seeks to usurp and/or undermine US global leadership in many categories, ranging from international influence and military might to Olympic medal count. |
| Iran | Enemy | While the US and Iran once enjoyed friendly relations, the 1979-18 hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held hostage in Iran for more 444 days during the Iranian revolution (in retaliation for US support of the country's former government), marked the end of those relations. The US severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 and had not renewed them as of 2023. |
| Afghanistan | Enemy | Gave asylum to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, who committed the 9/11 attacks while residing in the country. In retaliation, the US invaded, deposed the ruling Taliban government, and installed a new government. However, the Taliban, known for human rights offenses and repression of women, reclaimed control immediately upon US withdrawal in 2021. |
| Yemen | Enemy | Considered a major hub for al-Qaeda. Though the country has attempted to ally with the US to root out al-Qaeda operatives in the past, many US officials feel Yemen could do more. Country is currently mired in civil unrest. |
| Venezuela | Enemy | Relations soured in early 2000s as then-president Hugo Chávez declared himself socialist and anti-imperialist. Accused US of covert attempts to undermine government on multiple occasions, severed diplomatic ties on 2019. |
| North Korea | Enemy | Held 52 Americans hostage from late 1979 until early 1981 (in retaliation for US support of the country's former government) as part of the Iranian revolution. The US severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 and had not renewed them as of 2023. Iran's uneven human rights record, occasional support for terrorist activities, and a purported covert nuclear weapons program contribute to ongoing unease between the two countries. |
| Syria | Enemy | Severed relations with the US in 2012 in response to American support of the rebel side in the Syrian Civil War. Country is considered a dictatorship with poor human rights protections and a rumored tendency to shelter terrorists such as al-Qaeda. |
| Cuba | Enemy | Cuba has been considered an enemy of the United States since the early 1960s after Fidel Castro's government nationalized American-owned properties and allied with the Soviet Union. This led to an economic embargo and the severing of diplomatic relations. Despite a brief thaw in relations during the Obama administration, restrictions were reinstated under the Trump administration, and as of 2023, tensions remain due to Cuba's communist government and human rights issues. |
| Belarus | Enemy | Frequent Russia ally accused by US of excessive human rights violations, suspiciously unfair elections, sheltering Saddam Hussein. Sides with Russia in was against Ukraine. Has in turn accused US of interfering with its internal and external affairs. |