Italian Journalist Shooting Update

Kuwait News Agency reports what most people have probably been thinking about this tragedy: It was an accident that could have been avoided by the -- Italians.

Multi National Forces explained that around 8:55 p.m. local time US soldiers warned the driver of the car that was transferring the released Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena to stop at the checkpoint; however the driver continued to speed toward the checkpoint prompting the soldier to open fire. The soldiers tried to stop the car through waving their hands, flashing lights and firing warning shots, but when they realized that the driver was not going to stop they fired at the vehicle's engine to force them to stop.

Can the Italians do anything right?

Seriously, if you're going to get a hostage out, wouldn't you at least have the exit strategy thought out, and possibly even have had the foresight to have informed the Americans?

This story has smelled from the beginning.

Thanks to The Command Post for staying on top of this. I'm sure more will come out in the days to come, e.g. all W's fault, Italy taking the stance of victim, etc.