Italy to pull out of Iraq in 2006

[Sir_Sidney_Ruff_Diamond]

Another member of the 'coalition of the willing' mumbles their excuses and leaves.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4628500.stm

 

[Radical_Dreamer]

2006, it says. It's not a shock in the slighest. Are they going to be replaced by anyone else though?

 

[msr]

Is there any need to?

msr

 

[OldSnowy]

Is there any need to?

msr

Exactly the right question. No, there isn't; their work there is done.

 

[Sir_Sidney_Ruff_Diamond]

Apologies for the typo

Less haste more speed

 

[Abandon_Ship!]

We can't guarantee on the Dutch coming - they're getting cold feet over their promises to Afgahnistan!

 

[jimmys_best_mate]

Is there any need to?

msr

We'll need someone else to wander round HQ MND(SE) in sunglasses with their shirts open and little gay beards if they go.

 

[securit]

Is there any need to?

msr

We'll need someone else to wander round HQ MND(SE) in sunglasses with their shirts open and little gay beards if they go.

What the "i ties" have little gay beards, never, I don't believe you!!!!

 

[whitecity]

Italy to pull out of Iraq in 2006 ???????

What's new???

Headlines in March 2005: Italy plans Iraq troop pull-out (link here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4352259.stm)

The only surprise is, after the debacle over the killing of Nicola Calipari, that they have remained so long.

(See here for brief background info if you've been asleep for the past 12 months: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-1516439,00.html)

 

[jonwilly]

Does young will take it the Istallions have just recieved their new APCs
ya know (embarrasement setting in )
The ones with one forward and six, no seven reverse gears.
john
Apolagies

 

[C5H12O]

The Italians used to escort the Dutch Fuel Tankers in Afghanistan, they would turn up in their crappy armoured cars, get out and sit on top in their silk cravats and mirrored sun glasses. Definitly didnt look the part!

 

[Lillith]

Hmmm i see that is all the italians have done there in your eyes.............good to know

 

[OldSnowy]

At least they have stuck at it until they could leave with honour - more than some countries. The Iraqis needed support, and the Italians helped them. Good for them.

I would not however comment on their effectiveness as Soldiers, as they were not really tested during their time here. THey do have some very nifty hats, though. Bersagliari with black c*ck's feathers in their helmets, and the current Bde, with their rather fetching red jellybag hats (like a sort of oversized beret) complete with long gold string and a big tassel on the end - fantastic!

 

[Ambrose_Silk]

Well said, OldSnowy. As easy as it is to make fun of the Italians -- and they do it themselves! -- their discipline and effectiveness should not be underestimated. Remember Beirut 1983? Between the Americans, French, and Italians, the Italians were the most effective at completing their mission.