They were in disbelief at the fatality at the end of a brilliantly concluded operation, ... We were stone silent as we waited to hear of the rest of what took place.

The political tradition of ancient thought, filtered in Italy by Machiavelli, says one thing clearly: every prince needs allies, and the bigger the responsibility, the more allies he needs.

This has been a terrible story, an anxious time for all the country -- all fathers, mothers of Italian daughters -- but it has concluded in a totally positive way. The two girls are well, and tonight will be able to embrace their loved ones.

an eventual bird flu epidemic.

Relations between Italy and the United States are strong,, ... strong commitment to the freedom of people in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The historic cost of inaction might be incalculable,