Last night, a missile struck the Italian base in Erbil, located in Iraqi Kurdistan, where approximately 300 Italian soldiers are stationed as part of the international mission against ISIS. Thankfully, the soldiers managed to take refuge in bunkers, resulting in no casualties. This attack raises significant concerns as it highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Italian forces abroad and the ongoing threats in the region.

In the aftermath of the incident, the article questions the silence of international law experts who have been vocal in recent days about various legal issues, particularly regarding military actions and interventions. The author notes a shift in discourse as numerous groups in Italy, including leftist institutions, social centers, and NGOs, have suddenly become well-versed in international law, emphasizing their critique on the differences between customary norms and obligations, legitimate defense versus aggression, and the principles of global order. This rhetorical flourish raises the question of genuine accountability and the role of these voices in the context of current military actions.

The piece suggests that while discussions of international law and ethics are crucial, they become more relevant in light of real-world incidents such as missile attacks on military bases. The author implies that these discussions should not merely be theoretical debates in media forums but should focus on protecting the safety and legality of military engagements, especially for Italian soldiers deployed in volatile regions like Iraq. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of international military cooperation against threats like ISIS and the repercussions it has on national discourse regarding military interventions.