That is old news. The article is basically a re-print from a March article...almost word for word. Seems someone is trying to make it look like Italy capitulated to terrorists demands.
The overwhelming majority of italians opposed the war in iraq so it will always too late when we'll go back home. The government ignored the people's will. We shouldn't be there. I don't care if we will leave the under italian contract oil down there in Nassiriya. I can confirm that is an old news btw. I can also confirm that the reasons behind the war in iraq don't change if osama or some of his fundamentalist fellows strike with a terrorist act.
I don't blame the Italians....they need to do what is in their own country's best interest. Nothing wrong with that.
I respect the decision. At least Italy aren't pulling a Spain, and being complete and total pu$$ies about it. They have stayed with us threw thick and thin and now that Iraqi security forces are getting even closer to being in complete control of the territroy controlled by Italy it seems warranted for them to pull some troops out. Hats off to Italy great job.
Sigh. The socialist government had a manifesto promise to remove troops and that's just what they did. And, no, they didn't get elected because of the train bombings, but because the prior government prematurely ran to blame ETA.
Or the demands of the voters? I'm not too worried about these countries starting to pull out. It'll help distact the Germans and the French citizens from how crappy their economies have been for decades.
Italy not to reduce troop strength in Iraq - - Washington: Expressing solidarity with the United States in the war against terrorism, Italy has said it would not reduce its troop strength in Iraq. "Terrorists will not succeed in weakening Italy's determination", Italian Defence Minister Antonio Martino said after a meeting with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon. "Italy will stay in Iraq as long as necessary, not one day more, but certainly not one day less," he said. "The mission will remain the same. The effectiveness will remain the same," Martino said, adding the security situation had improved in Dhi Qar, the province patrolled by the Italian troops. "We refuse to be terrorised," said Martino. "We would never make any unilateral decision regarding our presence in Iraq. We shall always work in agreement with our allies and with the government of Iraq." Asked about reports that Italy planned to reduce its troop strength in Iraq, Martino explained that Italy has since January planned to replace a brigade of paratroopers numbering 3,300 with an armored brigade of 3,000 troops. Rumsfeld praised Italy for its "courage and vision in the war against violent extremists". He also expressed support for the people of Great Britain after the July 7 terrorist attacks in London. "The world has been impressed, though I think not surprised, by the British people's gritty resilience. And, needless to say, the United States government is proud to stand with them," he said.