The Italian Knot: A Diplomatic Conundrum from 1985

In the late hours of October 7, 1985, a dramatic unfolding on international waters brought to light an episode that would test Italy’s diplomatic finesse and its relations with global powers. The Achille Lauro, a ship cruising under the vibrant Neapolitan sun, became the stage for a harrowing tale of terrorism and geopolitical chess. A commando from the Palestine Liberation Front (FLP) seized control, culminating in the tragic death of American Jewish passenger Leon Klinghoffer. This incident sparked not only immediate human tragedy but also a complex diplomatic standoff that would echo through decades.

The editorial by Eugenio Scalfari on October 13, 1985, provides an incisive lens into Italy’s maneuverings amidst this crisis. The Italian government found itself ensnared in what was dubbed “the Italian Knot,” a phrase encapsulating the intricate and precarious balancing act between moral imperatives, international law, and political alliances. At the heart of this dilemma were decisions that would navigate through the murky waters of diplomatic immunities, international requests for extradition, and the unyielding demands of global superpowers.

The saga unfolded with Italy’s handling of a related crisis involving an Egyptian aircraft forced to land in Sigonella military base due to a hijacking by the same terrorists. In a bold move that strayed from conventional protocols—labeled as “unorthodox” even by Prime Minister Bettino Craxi and deemed problematic by President Giovanni Spadolini—the Italian government, spearheaded by figures such as Giulio Andreotti, took custody of the terrorists on their soil while allowing the aircraft to proceed to Rome. This decision was a chess move in a game played at an international scale, one that saw Italy’s diplomatic corps engaging directly with American counterparts, leading to intense negotiations and exchanges.

The crux of Italy’s strategy involved the clandestine sheltering of two terrorists within a cultural institute in Rome, exploiting diplomatic immunities to evade direct confrontation with U.S. extradition demands. This maneuver, while ingenious, set off a cascade of international criticism and diplomatic friction, notably with the United States, which saw this act as both a circumvention of law and an affront to its judicial requests.

As the narrative unfolded, Italy’s diplomatic dance became increasingly precarious. The eventual escape of one of the terrorists, Abu Abbas, through Yugoslavia added fuel to the already fiery debate over Italy’s handling of the crisis. This escape was facilitated by exploiting international protocols in a way that saw the Italian government publicly distancing itself from direct responsibility.

The reverberations of these decisions were profound and multi-faceted. Not only did they strain Italy’s relations with key allies, including Israel, Egypt, and notably, the United States, but they also placed it at odds with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and challenged its own national narrative on combating terrorism. The aftermath left Italy diplomatically isolated in some respects, prompting introspection about the balance between diplomatic cunning and ethical governance.

This episode, as recounted by Scalfari, remains a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in international diplomacy. It underscores the delicate act of navigating through crises where every decision carries weighty consequences not just for immediate stakeholders but for global political dynamics at large. The “Italian Knot” thus stands as a testament to a moment when Italy’s strategic decisions reverberated beyond its borders, reflecting broader themes of power, responsibility, and the intricate dance of international relations.

The Achille Lauro crisis, with its layers of intrigue, tragedy, and diplomatic maneuvering, encapsulates a pivotal chapter in Italy’s post-war history. It offers insights into the art of diplomacy—where decisions are not merely about immediate outcomes but about shaping narratives, alliances, and national identities on the world stage.

Original Article Source: [La Repubblica](https://www.repubblica.it/dossier/cultura/cinquanta-anni-di-repubblica/2025/10/07/news/achille_lauro_sequestro_terroristi_palestinesi_1985_scalfari_50_anno