[WarC]

I thought we could use a thread to discuss the recent and past events in Kosovo.

Yesterday, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. You may remember Slobodan Milosevic, the orthodox christian serb who essentially attempted an ethnic cleansing of the muslim albanians in kosovo. You may also remember that during the Clinton administration we were involved with NATO in military operations against the serbs.

Today, the US officially recognized the independence of Kosovo from Serbia - Along with France and the UK. People there have been going nuts in the streets, waving British and American flags along with their new flag, chanting in the streets.

Meanwhile, Serbia, Russia, and China are utilizing UN conduits to express their discontent with this move.

Our stance here I believe to be an honourable one, and it is consistent with our values. Contrary to the opinion held by muslim extremists, our stance on Kosovo and Serbia is proof (in my mind) that we do not seek the marginalization of the muslim world or to hurt Islam as a religion.

It'd be interesting to know people's thoughts and opinions on this and of our past history with this region, and its impact on our foreign policy and the war on terror.

Good or bad? Optimistic of Kosovo's future? Concerned about the conflict it may bring? Best thing Clinton ever did? (kidding)

[Chicon]

Hi WarC,

It looks like the game is not yet over for what I've seen and read from the news.
In the new Kosovo, there is a minority of Serbians who ask to secede. Also, there are european countries which refuse the independence (mainly the neighbours) or which are still undecided to take position.
IMO, it would be difficult, for the moment, to get a general agreement from the EU to acknowlegde Kosovo as a new independent country.
Also the big question is : if it turns to be a war involving some NATO members against the Serbians, how will the Russians react ?
Therefore, I am in a wait & see situation.

[Bastiat]

Originally Posted by Chicon

Also the big question is : if it turns to be a war involving some NATO members against the

Seems that Bush declared today that the US will defend the right of the Kosovo to declare independance from the Serbs. Sounds like a warning shot across the quarter deck does it not? Does anyone know Putin's response?

[bassetman]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

Seems that Bush declared today that the US will defend the right of the Kosovo to declare independance from the Serbs. Sounds like a warning shot across the quarter deck does it not? Does anyone know Putin's response?

javascript:NVF_toggleBox('001', 'http://www.youtube.com/v/DnR-WMmFptk','s-rACF8LKIpyIMOrSfitS6vg:v-0-0-1_1127170505', 'n');

If that doesn't work:

http://news.google.com/nwshp?hl=en&tab=wn

[linskyjack]

Nice to see someone waving the American flag. Nice to see that religious fanatics like the Serbian orthodox are angry.

[Chicon]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

Seems that Bush declared today that the US will defend the right of the Kosovo to declare independance from the Serbs...

Surely, the US will defend the right of the Kosovo, only in words but not in facts. Look, NATO has already problems to get more troops in Afghanistan from its european members.
Also, where I live (in Belgium), 25% of the gas I use to heat my home comes from Russia.
Poutin has already his hands on the european gas taps. And I guess it's the main reason why some countries are still undecided to aknowledge Kosovo.
And finally, for once, let the job done by the Europeans, Americans people have sufficiently and heavily paid for others' wars.

[linskyjack]

Good point Chicon---our military is presently very busy---

[Bastiat]

Originally Posted by Chicon

Surely, the US will defend the right of the Kosovo, only in words but not in facts. Look, NATO has already problems to get more troops in Afghanistan from its european members.
Also, where I live (in Belgium), 25% of the gas I use to heat my home comes from Russia.
Poutin has already his hands on the european gas taps. And I guess it's the main reason why some countries are still undecided to aknowledge Kosovo.
And finally, for once, let the job done by the Europeans, Americans people have sufficiently and heavily paid for others' wars.

Note, Bushes words were chosen carefully. There is no promise of miltary intervention and support of Kosovo also includes England, France and Germany. Hardly lone Cowboys as some Europeans like to spout.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by Bastiat

Note, Bushes words were chosen carefully. There is no promise of miltary intervention and support of Kosovo also includes England, France and Germany. Hardly lone Cowboys as some Europeans like to spout.

I expect McCain is holding his breath that dumbass doesn't make any more stupid commitments during his final months in office.

[Bastiat]

Originally Posted by Wino

I expect McCain is holding his breath that dumbass doesn't make any more stupid commitments during his final months in office.

So now you don't believe in a people choosing their own political destiny and receiving the support of the American people? When did you become a communist Comrade Wino?

[Fidelista]

Originally Posted by Wino

I expect McCain is holding his breath that dumbass doesn't make any more stupid commitments during his final months in office.

If dumbass does make a commitment -- "there goes another 100 yrs !".
McCain likes long wars. >f

[SlackAli]

Just heard on the news that protesters in Belgrade have set fire to the American embassy!

[WarC]

I also heard that some of them actually broke into the embassy. 150,000 serbs are estimated to be at the protest.

Also, at a border crossing today, Serbian army reservists got into scuffles with NATO peacekeepers. Good 'ole crazy eastern europeans!

[SlackAli]

Originally Posted by WarC

Good 'ole crazy eastern europeans!

Stunning women though - at least until they lose their teeth

[WarC]

Originally Posted by SlackAli

Stunning women though - at least until they lose their teeth

Yeah, thats the problem with mail order brides. Too much maintenance. Eventually it costs less just to replace 'em.