Fiat's Silent Partner (from Time Mag)

[genlock]

In most ways, business could not be better for Fiat and its charismatic chairman, Gianni Agnelli. The Italian conglomerate, which manufactures such high-tech equipment as robotics and telecommunications systems, as well as autos and other vehicles, has come roaring back from a string of losses in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Fiat's profits increased 113% last year, to a record $884 million on sales of $18 billion. But the company has been unable to escape an increasingly embarrassing problem: about 15% of its stock is owned by Libya, and two representatives from the land of Muammar Gaddafi sit on Fiat's 25-member board.
Because of Libya's investment in Fiat, the Pentagon has decided not to award a proposed $7.9 million contract to the company under which it would have built 178 earthmovers for the U.S. Marine Corps. Reason: the Reagan Administration does not want any American money to flow--even indirectly--into the coffers of a government that sponsors international terrorism.

[CoolBreeze]

Fiats cars in the 70s were terrorism enough.

[Big Media]

Fiats cars in the 70s were terrorism enough.

Libya is soooo 1985.

[Bob Campbell]

Was that article from 1985 or so?

[AmpedNow]

I thought Libya was back on the "cool" list.

Well, maybe not "cool", but "acceptable".

[genlock]

Mid 80's.