Mr Bomann-Larsen was fulsome in his praise of the prime minister last year and predicted that he could remain in power for decades.

ECONOMIST: Norway and terrorism

Kerry also appeared to back down from the outright U.S. demand that Assad step down in the transition, while maintaining that he, personally, couldn't see how a leader responsible for such widespread abuses could remain in power as part of a peace deal.

NPR: US, Russia Seek To Revive Peace Plan For Syria

Because its European neighbors seem unwilling to deal the finishing blows to the Gadhafi regime at least as of this moment Rome must take into account the possibility that Gadhafi could remain in power, if only in the western portion of Libya.

FORBES: Italy's Interests in Libya