Mostly
because of the US tendency
to treat every problem with an aggressive "Macho" attitude, rather
than discussions and negotiations, Europeans (and most of the world) have been
distancing themselves from the US.
The
Europeans also are intent on developing solidarity to try to counterbalance the
US Power, at least just a little.
Britain is the only European
country that still prefers its ties to the US, rather than the EU, which
might change with Blair leaving office.
All
three of Europe's countries that were aligned with Bush, have ALL had changes
of government (Spain, Italy, Britain)
Italians Pick
Europe, Not U.S.,
for Foreign Policy
Angus Reid Global Scan :
Polls & Research
September 10, 2006
- Many adults in Italy believe
their country should foster continental ties, according to a poll by Ipsos Public Affairs. 69 per cent of respondents prefer to
play a more important role as part of Europe, while 25 per cent would maintain
the current rapport with the United
States.
Italian voters
renewed the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on Apr. 9 and Apr. 10. The Union (Unione) of centre-left
parties, led by Romano Prodi, secured 348 seats in
the lower house and 158 seats in the upper house. The victory put an end to the
government of the centre-right House of Freedom (Casa), headed by Silvio Berlusconi.
On May 16, Prodi was formally appointed as prime minister. The Union
leader had previously served as head of government from May 1996 to October
1998.
During his
tenure, Berlusconi committed more than 2,000 Italian soldiers to the war in Iraqin what
once was the third largest contingent of the United States-led coalitionwho
participated in peacekeeping duties. In March 2005, Berlusconi announced
"a gradual reduction of the number of our soldiers in Iraq." Prodi ordered a full withdrawal after taking office.
On Aug. 22, Italy announced a contribution of 3,000 troops
to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. On Sept. 3, Prodi discussed the current state of affairs, saying,
"The situation in Lebanon
changes the spirit in the Middle East. There
is a new role for the UN and a new role for Europe, and that can help unblock
the peace process with the Palestinians, but first we must secure the peace in Lebanon."
Polling
Data
In the area of
foreign policy, which of these two choices do you agree with the most?
|
Maintaining the current rapport
with the United States
|
25%
|
|
Playing a more important
role as part of Europe
|
69%
|
|
Not sure
|
6%
|
Source: Ipsos Public Affairs
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Italian adults, conducted on Aug.
30, 2006. No margin of error was provided.