As a possible alternative history (based on 2.2):
* With the return of the Soviet hard liners a decision is made to damage NATO unity.
* Increased Soviet intelligence gathering identifies some of the later scandals earlier.
* A mix of blackmail and careful leaking collapses the government.
* Disillusioned with the right, the left sneaks in, probably as part of a coalition.
* With the start of the war, there are protests at the US bases demanding their removal.
* A demonstration turns violent and deaths occur when protesters break into the base and are shot by jumpy US troops who mistake them for Pact infiltrators.
* The Italian government protests.
* The US refuses to hand over the servicemen for trial.
* Amid this the left gains further support for the anti-US stance.
This should move the history to a point where canon is more viable.
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