ASSESSMENTS

Italy's Strategy Reversal on Libya

Apr 22, 2011 | 12:16 GMT

GIORGIO COSULICH/Getty Images

Summary

Initially tentative in its approach to the Libyan crisis, Italy has stated its intention to dispatch military advisers to help the rebels and is leading efforts to plan naval escorts for humanitarian aid. Rome has deep energy, economic and strategic ties to Tripoli, and thus adopted a cautious policy early on. But with its NATO and EU allies backing the Libyan rebels, Italy was forced to choose between stalling — and thus opening itself up to charges it was taking Gadhafi's side over its French and British allies' side — or supporting the intervention and attempting to bring the crisis to a quick conclusion. Whatever happens in Libya, Rome's involvement in the country will not come to an end.

Italy, with extensive strategic and economic interests in Libya, has dropped its initially cautious approach to the crisis in the North African country and adopted the call for regime change....

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