India prevails in dispute over Italian marines

The government of Italy has reluctantly back-pedaled in the case of the Italian marines who are accused of killing two Indian fishermen in an anti-piracy operation months ago.

The Italian defense, "those guys all look the same," was not deemed sufficient to quash the charges. The Italian climb-down means that Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini is free to high-tail it for home.

A week ago the View From Falling Downs commented on the ghosts of the colonial era looming over this case. The high-handed manner in which the Europeans sought to impose their will on India brought back all sorts of unfortunate echoes of the past.

India has served notice that the past is past, and this is now. Europeans will be held to account when they snuff the innocent lives of her citizens. A fisherman in India has the same right to life as a fisherman from one of the Nations of Virtue.

India holds Italian ambassador hostage

Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini is a hunted man tonight.

The Indian government has alerted all border posts and airports to be on the lookout for Mr. Mancini, claiming he cannot leave without their permission.

This very undiplomatic turn of events stems from an incident in which Italian marines doing anti-pirate guard duty aboard a cargo ship shot two Indian fishermen dead.

It's a confrontation that owes a lot to the ghosts of colonialism. The arrogant Europeans acting as though the natives were a lower species on the one hand, and the Indians being insulted and needing to fight for their dignity.

With the unfortunate Mr. Mancini caught in the middle.