However, Berlusconi said he would form a new cabinet as soon as the country's ceremonial president, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, gave him permission. Italian commentators said Ciampi was likely to do so, because Berlusconi is considered the only leader capable of putting together a government without holding new elections. ...
Berlusconi is one of Europe's staunchest backers of the Bush administration and the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. His decision to maintain 2,700 troops in Iraq has not been popular with Italian voters. But his support for the United States became a political liability after March 4, when U.S. soldiers shot and killed an Italian intelligence agent who was escorting a freed Italian hostage from Baghdad to the city's airport.
Either we're the only population smart enough to support a misunderstood genius or we're the only nation dumb enough to put up with a fatuous frat boy as leader of the free world. I've seen the test results. We aren't looking so very smart right now.