The recent comments from newly-released Gaddafi scion/son Saif al Islam Gaddafi about Italy desiring a return to "fascism" and "re-colonizing Libya" are, welllllllll... I can't agree.
While in the past, I've agreed with much of what he says, and many of the positions he takes, I don't agree with this one.
Since the fall of his father, there has been a mass exodus from, and illegal attempts at immigration to Europe from Libyan shores. Naturally, Italy has an interest in preventing such an action, and because of it, they have been patrolling international waters for some time. Prior to 2011, this was done with the full knowledge of and cooperation of the Libyan authorities.
I can't argue with the factual statement that many of the NATO warplanes that were complicit in bombings during the revolution DID take off from Italian air bases.
The USM (United States Military; initially, the USAF/US Air Force was the dominant US entity. After 23 March 2011, it was mainly the USN/US Navy and USMC/US Marine Corps), as well as other NATO member countries, use Aviano AFB and other Italian bases/staging grounds, as a staging ground for many MENA region operations (see Aviano Air Base Operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya and Operation Unified Protector (Action in Libya, 23 March - 31 October, 2011). Italy, however, is not alone in this department, as other European nations such as (though not limited to) Germany, Spain, the UK, and France, also play host to U.S. and other NATO member bases.
If Italy DID have a vested interest in recolonizing Libya, one would think they would definitely be playing a more active role in rebuilding the country following the revolution. While the country is one of the few to have returned embassy operations to Tripoli (as of January of this year), Italian-Libyan relations are roughly the same as they have been for half a century.
IF there is an INCREASED Italian military (e.g., navy) presence in or near Libya, it is likely to prevent illegal immigration, or to secure international waters in order to prevent terrorist elements which are actively operating within all facets of Libyan society (yes, I'm going there) from reaching Italian interests. A country does not just usually deploy warships to a region without just cause (unless, of course, you're referring to Trump's America {no, not a fan of #45/MAGA, or any of his BS diatribe-- amused, perhaps, horrified, naturally, and yes, I'm in the betting pool on whether or not he'll make it through a full 4 years}, and then, touche!). There is likely active intelligence on some target within the country, or "chatter" that would precipitate such an action on the part of the Italian armed forces.
I'll ask a dear friend of mine (whose father is an Italian diplomat) for more info, and update this as needed.
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