But RCN might just have a vital ally as it tries to tighten its budget: time.

The political culture has never encouraged the expression of a national mission or broad ideals; instead, officials here talk about building "relationships" with their most vital allies.

Britain, another vital ally, is expected to contribute several thousand armored forces, but has not yet begun to send them.

Without this vital ally, Tehran will find it more difficult to foment discord in the Arab world.

Skanderbeg, the leader of the Albanians, was a vital ally to this effort and would have become one of its main leaders.

In doing so, we've strengthened American leadership on non-proliferation issues, reinforced our relationship with a vital ally, and made our country safer.

If he organized it properly, the Belettes would have a vital ally - surprise; often the most decisive factor in any battle.

He added: "We consider Jordan to be a vital ally in the global war on terrorism."

However, Uzbekistan is a vital ally in the war on international terrorism, especially with regard to Afghanistan.

It is the destruction of unique forests, the Canadian arctic forests, our vital allies against climate change.