Rome
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said this week that he tried “many times” to persuade President Bush not to invade Iraq. “I was never convinced that war was the best way to make a country democratic or to enable it to escape from a bloody dictatorship,” he said before leaving for a state visit to Washington. His opponents immediately dismissed the statement as an attempt to boost his flagging standing in the polls. Berlusconi, a staunch Bush ally, sent 3,000 troops to Iraq even though most Italians were opposed to the war. He faces re-election in the spring. Rival Romano Prodi, who says he will pull Italian troops out of Iraq if elected, is currently 10 points ahead in the polls.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The struggles of Aston MartinIn the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rightsThe Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
