Italy pledges commitment to Iraq (withdrawing troops, upping assistance)

[Barrett808]

NASSIRIYA, Iraq (Reuters) -- Italy will redouble its efforts to help the reconstruction of Iraq even after withdrawing its troops this year, new Defense Minister Arturo Parisi said.

"The withdrawal does not mean we are turning our back on the Iraqis," Parisi said Tuesday during his first visit to Italy's military contingent in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya.

"Italy's commitment will proceed through strengthened political, civil and humanitarian assistance, and support for (Iraq's) institutions and the reconstruction of the country."

However, Parisi said it was too early to say whether Italy would keep civilians in Iraq after its soldiers had left.

(more)

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/05/30/iraq.italy.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest

[babylonsister]

1. This admin needs to take some lessons from Italy. Helping

Iraq get their country back together while not contributing to the death toll of any nationality sounds like a very good thing.

[ECH1969]

2. I don't think so

Zarqawi controls Western Iraq, Sadr and Zarqawi are fighting over central Iraq and various factions including Iran are fighting over Basra. The only way Iraq will stabilize is with another Saddam.

Saddam like brutality is the only way Iraq will be stabilized.

[babylonsister]

3. We could still pull troops out while trying to help in a humanitarian

way.
My biggest gripe going into this is we'd never be able to consolidate religion or politics throughout the country given their ancient history. I still maintain it's not doable by the U.S., and you could be right, another Saddam might be necessary. That doesn't mean we can/will/would/should dump them completely.