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March 16, 2005
Italy Pulls Out
The biggest story is that Italy has announced that they will pull their troops out of Iraq starting in September.
The war has been unpopular there for some time, and Prime Minister Berlesconi has apparently decided to bow to popular pressure.
Ok, fair enought, I suppose. And if this decision had come at a random time I'd just have the same things to say about them as I did about the Spanish; that is is a cowardly decision. They'll pay for it by having been on the wrong side of history.
But why does it have to seemingly be in response to that whacko communist journalist's lies about the United States? All this does is seeminly lend credence to her insane claim that we "targeted her for assassination"?
My heart goes out to all the Italians who must now be cringing in embarrassment at the actions of their government.
Update 3-17
So are they pulling out or not? Today's story in the Washington Times casts doubt on what was reported yesterday:
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi backtracked yesterday, saying a commitment to begin withdrawing his country's 3,300 troops from Iraq by September was subject to change and could be postponed.
"It was only my hope. ... If it is not possible, it is not possible. The solution should be agreed with the allies," Mr. Berlusconi said after his remarks on Tuesday created consternation in Washington and London.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whom the Italian leader had named as concurring with his decision to withdraw, insisted in London that Mr. Berlusconi's remarks had been misinterpreted.
"Neither the Italian government or ourselves have set some sort of deadline for withdrawal," Mr. Blair told Parliament.
Posted by Tom at March 16, 2005 12:11 PM
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