 |
| Outlines: Calabria, Italy |
Within the last
year or so, it has been revealed through the WikiLeaks scandal that
US officials believe Calabria would be a “failed state” if it were not a part of Italy. This conclusion is based, in large part, to
Mafia influence and corruption.
The leak also
indicates that US officials are particularly concerned about three
main issues:
-The Italian
Government has not provided the region with sufficient resources to
combat the Mafia
-Complacency with
the Mafia by the Calabresi
-Corrupt or
frightened politicians turn a blind eye to Mafia activities (apparently, the US has quickly forgotten the Maxi Trials, and the courageous efforts of both Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone)
Let me begin by
stating that I am Calabrese- and have traveled throughout the area
extensively. I have visited family, gone sightseeing and documented
all of these travels. In my experience, I have never encountered
anything resembling the 'Ndrangheta (Calabria's Mafia) or have heard
it spoken aloud. However, I am not naive- and do understand that the
organization is probably so pervasive that it doesn't need to
be spoken about.
But, I do not
believe that the area would be a failed state. First and foremost,
there are no failed states in Western Europe. That goes for the most
honest, down to the most corrupt. The entirety of the area would not
stand for it. Secondly, the area has a relevant economy- stemming
from multiple sources. Primarily, it is home to a major port (Gioia
Tauro) which is the largest port in Italy, and the sixth largest port
in Europe. It represents more than 1/3 of all of Italy's shipping per
year (both imports and exports).
No other failed
state would have such an economic advantage. The area is also home to
a vast array of agriculture and tourism- which would bolster the
economy.
| The Gioia Tauro Seaport is Massive |
Lastly, I do
question the veracity of the US government's conclusion. While I
believe the 'Ndrangheta's influence to be heavy in the area- I also
know that their influence is heavy everywhere. That includes
the entirety of Italy and major areas of Europe as well as Canada.
Documents also suggest that Mexico and Asia are being molded and run
by the 'Ndrangheta- as it has now “gone global.” However, I highly doubt the US would think a province like Ontario, Canada ( home of Toronto- an 'Ndrangheta hot-spot) would be a "failed state" if it were independent from Canada.
ItalianAware-Home
No comments:
Post a Comment