Can Italy be relied upon?

As I noted yesterday, Israel has asked Italy to head the 'revamped UNIFIL' that is mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. In the past, when Berlusconi headed its government, Italy was one of our most reliable friends in Europe. Since the Prodi government came to power, however, relations have been strained. Can Italy be relied upon?PeoplesMedia points out that in the aftermath of the