Italy not to reduce troop strength in Iraq

[Strengthandhonour]

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.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/1...1300180001.htm

[Carnyx]

Hmm, Italy is not going to be safe in the next months. Are you sure to want to go to Italy?

[Strengthandhonour]

Italy recently started taking all this things into moderation for public safety. And then they do this? they need to take a LOT of things into thought right now, after London, Italy is probably next.

[Theobald]

Originally Posted by Duchemin

Hmm, Italy is not going to be safe in the next months. Are you sure to want to go to Italy?

Actually I don't think that Paris is safe just because Chirak kisses Muslim a***s on a daily basis. This threat is over whole Europe - and we still have to live. Are you going to leave France then ?

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Theobald

Actually I don't think that Paris is safe just because Chirak kisses Muslim a***s on a daily basis. This threat is over whole Europe - and we still have to live. Are you going to leave France then ?

I just worry for him and Italians since this thread is about Italy. As for France, it could be threaten by a wave of terrorism sure. We're in Afghanistan afterall, aren't we? Anyway, terrorists have another reason to perpetrate attacks : the holy war. Leaving France? Where could I go? It's sad to say but terrorism or not, life goes on.

[Strengthandhonour]

Any European country could be attacked. Even those not involved in the war. I could just see an attack happening on France or Germany for example. This holy war isn't only in the middle east, but in Europe as well.

[Carnyx]

Originally Posted by Strengthandhonour

Any European country could be attacked. Even those not involved in the war. I could just see an attack happening on France or Germany for example. This holy war isn't only in the middle east, but in Europe as well.

Yes, I guess the more recent attacks on Madrid and London are sufficiently eloquents. Not to speak about the too numerous "islamist" attacks that took place in Europe in the past. Only blind people could not be aware of that fact, the "holy war" is here as well sure.

It certainly exists a muslim classement of the more endangered country. Who can tell which country is on the top of the list. Previsions are pretty hazardous in this matter. In all cases, we'd better to be careful.

[Strengthandhonour]

Indeed. People don't realize that it's kind of difficult to fight a war when the enemy lives next door..