Quote Originally Posted by davidbfpo View Post
Bill,

The media here have reported several Italian ministers saying that they might have to act over the chaos in Libya. Italy has stronger links to Libya than most European nations, leaving aside the flow of refugees via Libya to southern Italy and its islands.

Given that Italy ceased its naval and other agency refugee interception and rescue operation in late 2014, one must wonder what they resources can deploy.
Agree, and the limited capacity issue applies to most European countries. The exceptions are England and France, but even their capacity is much reduced.

While there are many in Italy willing to fight, I also doubt they represent a majority, and question the ability of the Italian government to drum up the will to fight. That could change if there was a major attack on Italian soil.

As I understand it, Italy ceased it refugee interception because the EU failed to share costs for these operations. The refugees may enter the EU through Italy, but many on move to other locations in Europe, so I can understand Italy's demand that EU assist with the mutual security challenge.