Not that we meddle

Italy still hangs in a sort of political purgatory, following last week’s election. That Silvio Berlusconi’s party lost is beyond doubt now, even if it was a narrow loss. But old Silvio isn’t going anywhere in a hurry.
As for those staunch upholders of democratic principles the magnificent three, George Bush, Tony Blair and Johnny Howard, not a word of congratulations to the real winners. They, it seems, are holding back until Berlusconi finally concedes defeat.
Not that they would meddle in another country’s democratic rights, (we note with heavy irony). The problem for the magnificent three is that they had a true ally in Berlusconi.
In particular, the change of guard in Italy asserts special pressures on Blair’s position, domestically and abroad.
The probable new Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, has openly criticized the Iraq conflict and Blair's attitude to the European Union and said he intends to put Europe's interests ahead of those of Washington.
The former head of the European commission who prides himself on having overseen Italy’s adoption of the euro said his priority was to forge an alliance of what he called "the countries most determined to push for a common European policy".
Adding, "We need a strong relationship not just with France and Germany but also with the so-called group of six, countries like Belgium and Luxembourg.
"I believe it is difficult to include it [Britain] among countries which are pushing for more integration. Britain has decided not to hold a referendum on Europe so it has not approved the European position. Evidently it believes in a policy which is more independent of the EU."
But the signals from Berlusconi’s defeat run deeper than the EU alone. Blair faces more isolation in Europe over Iraq after the defeat of his political ally. Of the three European leaders who unreservedly joined the U.S.-led invasion defying domestic public opinion, Mr. Blair is the only one who stills remains in power amid growing calls for him to quit
The first to go was the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar after he was defeated in the wake of the Madrid bombings in 2004 which were seen as a consequence of his support for the Iraq invasion.
The Trans-Atlantic Bagman
Blair, Aznar and Berlusconi forged a political alliance that proved highly divisive for Europe during the Iraq war which was strongly opposed by France and Germany. Americans used the divisions to dismiss France and Germany as "Old'' Europe and embrace the so-called "new'' Europe represented by leaders like Aznar and Berlusconi, with Mr. Blair acting as a bridge in trans-Atlantic relations.
One British newspaper, the Daily Mail, has referred to the Berlusconi-isation of Britain; the insidious corruption of state institutions.
The report goes on breathlessly; "The tide is lapping very close indeed to Mr Blair's door.
For here is a Prime Minister who, from the moment he took a £1million gift from Bernie Ecclestone in return for a shift in policy, has been systematically corrupting public life in this country.
It is the destruction of civil service impartiality, the emasculating of the Second Chamber [House of Lords] and the politicisation of the police that have been so damaging."
Domino Theory
The term domino theory was discredited back in the days of Vietnam, where it was used as the justification for that war. But the images it conjures seem to suit the current coalition of the willing partners. The magnificent three are all under various degrees of electoral pressure.
Is Berlusconi perhaps the first domino in their eyes? Certainly the Prodi win has rattled more than just the reluctant former Prime Minister. But as much as they would like to meddle, the magnificent three will be quickly out gunned by the experienced Prodi. There is no turning back the clock now.