This is not an indictment of the American military nor an endorsement of the Iraq. This is an expression of deepest condolence and sorrow to the family of a man
who died a hero today:
There is no shortage of brave, good men and women who go to Iraq and lose their lives. The most recent is Nicola Calipari, an Italian intelligence officer whose negotiating efforts led to the release Friday of Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena. Sgrena was taken hostage one month ago by Iraqi militants. Calipari was taking Sgrena to the airport when their convoy was fired upon by US troops as it approached a checkpoint in Baghdad. Calipari saved Sgrena's life by shielding her with his body: she was wounded in the shoulder; he was killed.
To all the Italian people, we in America grieve with you. We grieve for the loss of Nicola's life and all the other lives lost in this tragedy. Please forgive our nation for allowing this to happen.