March 7, 2005
FUNDING TERROR IN THE DARK:
Italians kept U.S. forces in dark (John Phillips, March 7, 2005, THE WASHINGTON TIMES)
Italian agents likely withheld information from U.S. counterparts about a cash-for-freedom deal with gunmen holding an Italian hostage for fear that Americans might block the trade, Italian news reports said yesterday.The decision by operatives of Italy's SISMI military intelligence service to keep the CIA in the dark about the deal for the release of reporter Giuliana Sgrena, might have "short-circuited" communications with U.S. forces controlling the road from Baghdad to the city's airport, the newspaper La Stampa said.
Gee, why would they keep secret their handing our enemies a million dollars? Posted by Orrin Judd at March 7, 2005 11:55 AM
I read on the web yesterday (don't have URL) that the Italians have paid over 35 million for all of their hostages. They are making it more dangerous over there for Americans and Brits. I think it might be best for everyone if they just left.
Then again maybe I read it here, whatever.
Posted by: h-man at March 7, 2005 2:44 PMShe's lying! They tried to run the checkpoint at highspeed on the assumption the troops wouldn't shoot or react too slowly to hit them.
I suspect the hostage event was staged by her for an entire smorgasbord of reasons, most of which came to fruition. Too bad the "Pink Panther", an probable unwitting accomplice, outsmarted himself.
Posted by: Genecis at March 7, 2005 2:50 PMI'm reminded of Winston Churchill's reaction to being told that Italy had declared war on Britain in WWII. 'It's only fair, they were on our side last time.'
If the Italians pulled out, nobody would notice or care.
Posted by: Bart at March 7, 2005 4:07 PM