It is the correct usage and it is not used to mean “equate” in this case. compare - ”estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between” To us

It is the correct usage and it is not used to mean “equate” in this case. compare - ”estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between” To use the word “equate” may go a step too far because he did not actually say that the two are equal, he said that they were both mistakes. Saying that he “compared” rather than “equated” invites less criticism of their reporting. Sorry you were downvoted for asking for language clarification. An anti-Saudi story will attract those with general anti-foreigner sentiment who like to police the comments to make sure we’re all red-blooded, freedom-loving flag-wavers. This one will also attract anti-capitalists, so it could be quite a rollercoaster. Sorry for the idioms.