Victory will come only through strengthening local allies and reformers, not by trying to impose our own political values.

The army is confronting groups of al Qaeda fighters and their local allies in very difficult terrain.

Our enemies must have hired local allies to guard this back door.

Environmental groups and their local allies were quick to condemn the arson.

And when they try to do so, they undermine their local allies.

Once in the field, Bond frequently meets up with a local ally upon arrival.

"Countries always look for local allies in their foreign policy and protect them no matter what," said one diplomat.

Johnston and her group had several local allies as well.

"The Dominion has many resources at their disposal and powerful local allies."

Perhaps it was to be an emissary to one of their local allies.