The Italian Almanac

Italian News - April 18

Italians soldiers are taking over a provincial reconstruction team in western Afghanistan. The soldiers will provide security to Afghan and international aid workers carrying out reconstruction work in Herat, a province in western Afghanistan.

Herat, which was until recently run by Afghan warlord Ismail Khan, is considered a success story for the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who was able to extend his writ over the province, replacing Khan and his militiamen.

The 300-plus Italian soldiers are associated with the U.N.-mandated International Security and Assistance Force. There are about 70 Italians in place at Herat, with more than 200 slated to arrive by the end of May.