If a friend gets mugged in a foreign country, that story is more likely to affect how safe you feel in that country than abstract crime statistics.

CNN: Stop the panic on air security

When I went looking for a new car every friend I had suggested I buy a foreign brand.

FORBES: How hard is it to fix a reputation? Ask GM

Joining Mr Kennedy was Menzies Campbell, Mr Dewar's university friend, and the Lib Dems' foreign affairs spokesman, who walked beside former Tory minister and Tory MSP for the Lothians region, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, another of Mr Dewar's lifelong friends.

BBC: A nation says goodbye

Livni has spent the better part of the past three years at the Foreign Ministry telling us that the UN is our friend, the Europeans are our friends and that the Americans and Europeans and the UN will take care of Iran for us.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A road paved on reality

"A great friend of China" is how China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying described Hugo Chavez after his death was announced.

BBC: Global perceptions of Hugo Chavez

Now you can borrow money just as cheap even from your friend, Chuck, and you don't have to hedge any foreign currency risk.

FORBES: Managing Money