Gotta Love Those Italians

People in Rome have scheduled a pro-Israel rally outside the Iranian embassy, according to Haaretz.

The demonstration was called by Il Foglio, a small conservative newspaper close to Premier Silvio Berlusconi, "to defend the right of Israel to exist."

The paper has said that more than 500 prominent Italians, including politicians from right and left, have backed the demonstration.

Italy’s foreign minister, Gianfranco Fini, released a statement saying that his presence at the torch-lit demonstration could damage Italian national interests. In the article, it wasn’t completely clear to me whether he plans to still attend. Regardless, the article had more good news.

A wave of demonstrations in support of Israel swept across Europe Wednesday evening, with protestors gathering in front of Iranian embassies in a number of capitals.

Fini does seem to get it though. He said the international community needs to maintain a “firm line” against Tehran.

"The problem of security doesn't only concern Israel, because if Tehran equips itself with a nuclear arsenal, the problem would concern the whole international community," he told reporters.

Iran, on the other hand, is displeased by all of this. Bummer. I so hate when they’re upset.