Italy Hands The Taliban A Propaganda Coup

As I've mentioned, the Taliban is resurgent, in Afghanistan. Now, this.

Spiegel Online:

Following the release of an Italian journalist held hostage in exchange for five Taliban fighters, the Islamic extremists' propaganda machine has gone into full gear. The Taliban's Mullah Dadullah is using his success to ratchet up pressure on Hamid Karzai's government, while Western officials fear it could spur a new round of hostage-takings of journalists.

Our bold leaders are taking Italy to task for this stupidity. Or not.

ANSA:

Both Italy and the US on Thursday played down tensions sparked by the release of Taliban prisoners in return for the life of an Italian hostage in Afghanistan.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed differences over the deal in a phone call.

The US State Department said the "friendly" call had reaffirmed the "positive and important bilateral ties between Italy and the US... and the spirit of trust and friendship that has long existed between the two countries".