One of the biggest international rallies against the US-led Iraqi invasion took place in Italy. Samia Nkrumah from Rome assesses the depth of the Italian anti-war sentiment Thousands in Rome took to the streets last Saturday marking 19 March anti-war day and the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Demonstrators carried (among others) a conspicuous banner reading "70 per cent of Italians say troops must withdraw." Saturday's demonstrations were organised by the Greens and the main communist parties, and Cobas, the rank and file committee of workers trade union. On this occasion, the protests, of which the biggest took place in Rome and in Sardinia, were modest in comparison to previous demonstrations along the same theme. A little over a month ago, the country saw huge demonstrations condemning the war in Iraq and calling for the release of veteran journalist Giuliana Sgrena who was held captive for more than a month inside Iraq. Then, unlike Saturday, the Democrats of the Left, the main trade unions in the country and various catholic groups, supported these protests. Organisers of the 19 March protests nevertheless called it a success, pointing to the fact that many Italians held local initiatives in 20 cities across the country. Second, many of those marching in Rome were not militants but ordinary people who joined the procession as it made its way through central Rome. Third, a group of protesters managed to reach Palazzo Chigi or seat of government despite the heavy presence of police and anti-riot troops which tried to stop them. Organisers also pointed to the fact that Saturday's protests come just a week after American World Airways, the airline carrying American troops to Iraq, announced that it would not use Italy's Rimini airport as a base for refuelling due to local opposition. And just two days earlier, the powerful trade unions had taken to the streets in Rome in protest against educational reforms and government moves to change labour laws. More significantly, the anti-war demonstrations have come at time when the main political forces are rounding up their campaign ahead of regional elections to be held on 3 and 4 April. The government centre-right and the opposition centre-left are contesting 14 out of Italy's 20 regions, including the Lazio region, which includes Rome. Every move and gesture has ignited suspicions of campaign manoeuvring. Just over a week ago, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a consistent Washington ally, said unexpectedly that Italy would start reducing its 3,000 strong contingent in Iraq from September. The announcement, made during a prime time daily TV talk show, immediately made headlines in the media, but its effect was short-lived as Berlusconi made a turnaround a few days later in an attempt to dispel any impression that there has been a change in policy. The prime minister insisted that withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq would only take place when a suitable Iraqi security apparatus is put in place, or when Iraqis can guarantee their own security. This turnaround brings government's position back in line with that of Washington and London. The opposition attributed the timing of the announcement to electoral campaigning. Public opinion in Italy favours withdrawal and recent events have enhanced anti-war sentiment. The loss of 28 Italian lives in Iraq, both military and civilian, coupled by the latest death of a high- ranking intelligence agent who was escorting newly freed Sgrena, has not favoured the government. With its majority in the parliament and senate, they had just voted this month to keep the contingent, the largest after the US and Britain. April's regional elections are seen as a test case for next year's national elections. In addition to choosing presidents for the 14 regions in question, voters would have to decide on the composition of assemblies for those regions. As things stand, eight of the regions to be contested are headed by the government's centre- right, while the opposition centre-left controls six. The fight over greater Rome's presidency has recently made headlines over a scandal about falsifying signatures. Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of fascist dictator Benitto Mussolini has been left out of the race after her far right party was barred from contesting in the elections. It was found guilty of having forged signatures. A candidate needs 3,500 endorsements to stand in elections. Mussolini's elimination is significant as her party was expected to take up to five per cent of votes from the government candidate and sitting president of Lazio in what many are saying will be a close race between the government and opposition candidates. A big debate has erupted over the scandal, with accusations that all parties have tolerated forgery in the past. Additionally, there are accusations that the centre-right regional president reportedly employed questionable means to discover the forgery. The regional elections are also highlighting Romano Prodi's return as leader of the centre-left coalition. The former European Commission president had already defeated Prime Minister Berlusconi in 1996 elections but saw his government fall after its coalition crumbled. Next month's elections are also bringing in new faces reflecting Italy's slow but steady demographic change. Immigrants turned Italian citizens are contesting assembly seats. A medical doctor originally from Eritrea is a candidate for the centre-left. He has studied in Italy since 1973 and is now in a prominent post with the Red Cross. On the other side, a female candidate from Albania is standing for the centre-right. Judging by reactions of Italians, many -- especially the younger population -- are by and large happy to see multicultural faces in these elections. In their favour is the fact that they are seen as underdogs who do not have the resources to publicise their campaign and instead go to the people directly.
