Prodi's promise to withdraw troops from Iraq bodes ill for UK

http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=743732006

ITALY's new prime minister yesterday branded the invasion of Iraq a grave error and pledged to withdraw the country's 3,000 troops there, casting doubt on the UK's hopes of drawing down its presence in the near future.

Romano Prodi said he would discuss the timescale for the Italian pull-out with coalition allies before announcing a decision.

But during the election campaign he said the remaining troops would be pulled out "as soon as possible" and at least one party in his left-wing coalition government wants the troops brought home immediately.

A swift Italian withdrawal could create problems for coalition troops remaining in Iraq, particularly British forces in the south.

The Italians were one of the key coalition partners, and with the security situation in Iraq remaining fraught there will be concerns among military commanders that their departure will create a safe haven for insurgents around Nasariyah, where the Italians are based.

Because they're going, we can't leave. Someone explain that to me :crazy:

troubles with not "Governing" according to today's Guardian... So, Italian troops withdraw and Americans are too clueless to get the meaning if they even read it at all..given that MSM doesn't report stuff like this...and another Iraqi Area falls into chaos with just the Brits trying to hold it together.

Maybe the Brits send in Prince Harry for duty hoping it will give a Big Mo to Troop sign ups in Great Britain and America? :eyes:

After all don't both Tony and Bush always use their "Star Power" to promote their policies. Still...think that Italy pulling out is not good news. Amazing how US Media didn't report Berlusconni's having to be pulled out, forcibly, isn't it. It's like the Italian Election never occurred for most Americans....:-(