Oooops

Italian journalist Ms. Giuliana Sgrena had been kidnapped in Iraq by a group called the Islamic Jihad Organisation.

However, Italy managed to negotiate her release from the captors.

However, as she was being driven to the airport, and accompanied by Nicola Calipari described as one of Italy's top security agents, her vehicle was fired upon by American soldiers.

Ms. Sgrena was wounded.

Nicola was killed protecting her.

Coalition chilling

Understandably Silvio Berlusconi was outraged at the event and demanded an explanation from President Bush. He has it hard enough as it is remaining part of the "coalition of the willing" against the wishes of a democratic populace, without the added insult of losing intelligence assests and injuring a woman championed as a hero at home.

President Bush has promised a full investigation into the matter, which will probably entail placing blame solely on the backs of the troops on the ground (his modus operandi thus far).

Some people are already racing to characterize the whole thing as a hoax (She faked it). One need only note that Mr. Berlusconi met Ms. Sgrena at the airport to disabuse themselves of that fantasy (i.e. he's not going to use his time legitimizing hoaxes which undermine his position).

I am amazed that cheerleaders of the apocalypse aren't out in full force showing Silvio a little team spirit. Perhaps they are incapable of feeling his pain?