by Francesca Di Meglio

JULY 30, 2006 - As I write this week's column, I flip between MSNBC and CNN to keep track of the escalating war between Israel and Lebanon. More innocent lives - including more than 30 children in the Lebanese town of Qana - were taken by Israeli air strikes today. I'm terrified that we may be on the brink of World War III, but I can't turn away from the news. To know the fate of Middle Easterners today, after all, is to know our own future.

It is the issue of war that draws me ever closer to my Italian roots. Italy is notoriously pacifist. "Make love, not war," seems to be their motto. There are millions of jokes about how the Italians, backing whoever was winning at the moment, switched sides in World War II. Italian troops, especially in modern history, are known for being friendly with everyone. Many of them served spaghetti and played soccer with Iraqis during their stint there. They are almost always among the peacekeepers. And civilians in Italy are known for protesting the war, especially the U.S. intervention in Iraq. In 2003, almost every house in Ischia waved a rainbow flag with the word, "PACE" or "Peace" written across it.

I'm sure there are a number of historical and political reasons for Italy's peace position. Obviously, World War II, which destroyed much of Italy and caused a second wave of emigration, is still fresh in the minds of Italians. But being peaceful is a natural temperament for a people who love life. Let us not forget that Italians invented la dolce vita or the sweet life. They linger over food and even coffee, surrounded by friends and family. Americans would be bored after two minutes of sitting in a piazza and people watching, but it's an art for Italians. They want to share themselves with others. In other words, war prohibits Italians from being Italian.

Religion also plays a part in Italy's tendency toward pacifism. Most Italians - about 98 percent - identify themselves as Catholic. The pope living in the Vatican right next to Rome certainly influences the culture and the thinking of Italians. Pope Benedict XVI has already called for a cease fire. “In the name of God, I appeal to all those responsible for this spiral of violence, so that they immediately put down their arms on all sides,” he said, according to various reports, at Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence just outside of Rome.

It's no wonder to me that earlier in the week world leaders met in Rome for an emergency Mideast summit. People easily feel at home there. There is a tranquility, even in Italian cities as busy as Rome, because of the attitude and philosophy that oozes from the Italian people. It's contagious. And the history that is all around you in Italy and especially Rome humbles and, yes, pacifies you.

I like to think that when Italians call for peace, it's their way of fighting to protect their very identity. This is not to say that there are no Italians who are violent or war mongers. There are exceptions to every rule. History also reminds us of the Roman Empire, and Italy is the place where the mafia was born. We've all seen Italian men get up and arms when someone else is trying to pick up their woman or man, depending on which way they swing. And former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi did suggest killing illegal aliens trying to enter the country and called a German leader a Nazi, which was hardly pacifist language.

Still, in modern times Italians, for the most part, have been the fun-loving, peace-loving friend to the world. At the summit in Rome last week, Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said that international leaders pledged their support to reconstruct Lebanon and revive its economy. But for that to happen, the fighting first has to stop. That's what most Italians are hoping for, even though that seems a far way off. For now, hope and prayer - among Italy's greatest exports - are all any of us have.

• More About War - Many of you had lots to share about this column on the escalating tensions around the world. You can read more as I respond and expand on the Italian people's peace position.

Shops/Stores

Italiansrus Gear
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products.

RomeGiftShop
Purchase souvenirs & gifts from Rome & Italy. Get FREE postcards from Rome.

Italian Charms
Huge selection of Italian charms and jewelry.

FORZIERI.com
The world largest online retailer for Premium Italian Fashions.