Leaks Shows U.S. Condescension Toward Berlusconi
A new trove of WikiLeaks cables concerning Italy has been released by Italian media and shows U.S. officials regard Prime Minister Sylvio Berlusconi as something of a clown. While his relations with Russia's Vladimir Putin cause concern, his lack of gravitas is seen as useful for American interests since Italy is a unique geostrategic platform for U.S. forces operating in the Middle East and Africa.
Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/02/19/133902694/Leaks-Shows-U-S-Condescension-Toward-Berlusconi?ft=1&f=1003