U.S.-Italy Relations Chilled by Killing of Agent

[ckramer]

The United States and its staunch Iraq war ally Italy face their worst falling out in years after U.S. troops killed an Italian secret service agent and wounded an Italian reporter.

The shooting in Iraq on Friday, as the reporter was being whisked to freedom after being held hostage for a month, was sure to fuel anti-war activists in Italy and put pressure on Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Berlusconi, who defied widespread public opposition to the Iraq war and sent 3,000 troops, took the rare step of summoning U.S. ambassador Mel Sembler to his office.

He demanded the United States "leave no stone unturned" in investigating the incident. President Bush (news - web sites) was quick to call Berlusconi and promise a full investigation.

The shooting was the worst diplomatic incident between Italy and the United States since 1998, when a U.S. Marines jet flying recklessly low and fast cut a ski lift cable, killing 20 people.

U.S. troops at a checkpoint shot and killed agent Nicola Calipari and wounded journalist Giuliana Sgrena as they rushed to Baghdad airport.

The agent had helped free Sgrena a month after she had been kidnapped and held hostage. Sgrena returned to Rome on Saturday. Calipari's coffin will follow.

link

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. When's the next general election in Italy?

Or whatever they call it? The one that can unseat the Prime Minister?

[marmar]

2. A la Spain...

The "Coalition of the Willing" continues to fall apart.

[Cascadian]

3. Hopefully the Italians voters will swing to the left.

I would love them to " do a Zapatero" and pull their forces out. I hope Italians by the millions take to the streets and put pressure on Berlusconi to bring their soldiers home.






John

[Moderator]

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