Italy Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

The influx of a large number of Northern African refugees across the Mediterranean has caught Italy in a difficult position. The country already struggling to recover from the economic downturn has to bear the brunt of financing most if not all rescue operations. Despite pleas to the international community, most European powers have resisted Italy's calls for help. UK officials claim that sending British ships would be counterproductive by encouraging more refugees. Nonetheless, failing to send rescue operations leaves Italy in a moral dilemma as each day thousands of migrants set sail in often less than seaworthy vessels.

The proximity to the Italian coast makes refugees an issue the Italian government cannot ignore. Compounding the issue is the fact that smugglers in war-torn regions are getting paid large sums for human trafficking in inhumane conditions with no concern for life. Even worse, Italian funds intended to help refugees are occasionally diverted by the mob as they force some female refugees into prostitution. Meanwhile, hesitation by the international community has stalled progress as a bleak future continues to await many who set sail.