Kosovo Islamic leaders call for independence

I am glad that B92 is reporting news that are closer to reality. Religious secularism and tolerance has always characterized Albanians. Yet, in most Serbian media, Albanians are still associated with Islamic extremism. This couldn't be farther from the truth. These kind of news only breed more hatred. Knowing and understanding each other are the first steps to peace in the region.

As a Jew who has visited Kosovo/a so many times, I couldn't agree anymore with the description of the religious situation in the Kosovar society. Albanians are one of the most secular people probably in the world. Throughout visiting many of their Catholic and Muslim religous leaders, I felt a remarkable warmth and respect, an exemplary gesture of inter-religous tolerance, a willingness for peace and love for other people of other religions. The world is very much aware of the religious aspects of this new state, and it'd be way much better if the Orthodox Church leaders start to think and act in promoting tolerance, peace and love, instead of getting engaged in volatile situations imbued with obscure nationalism and dirty politics. Religion should remain strictly spiritual/personal belief.

Shalom to all Kosovar Albanians and Serbs.

This comment is for the proud jew:
You talk about peace, then why is there no peace in Israel? If Kosovo & Metohija is given independence then why shouldn't Gaza and the West Bank get the same treatment? If Israel can defend itself from radical islam then why can't Serbia do the same?

Re: Kososvo secular tradition.
If Albanians in Kososvo are not so hung up on religion, why have they and why do they continue to destroy Serb Orthodox churches, monastries, shrines etc? I can't help but feel a little cynical about this article which seems to portray Kosovo as some sort of happy-go-lucky society built on tolerence and understanding. I admit, I'm far away in Australia but some of the tolerence and understanding in Kosovo seems to be reserved for smugglers, drug traffikers and the sex industry. To gain a true indication of just how secular and tolerent Kosovo really is, we dont need to ask the local Mufti for his lopsided opinion, we need to ask the minority Serbs. Since they are apparently proud of this so called secular tradition, perhaps we ought to follow up by asking the ordinary Albanian in the street how they intend to welcome Serbs back into their community in a secular Kosovo?

Darko,
Here is something to think about. If Albanian Muslims were so extremist, why do you think Orthodox and Catholic churches in Albania are not attacked? If the issue was religion wouldn't this be likely to happen?
The Serbian Orthodox church has followed racist and fundamentalist policies. Instead of promoting peace and god's love, this church has supported the most radical factions in Serbia. I am Orthodox myself, but I would be ashamed if my church supported war criminals. This is not what religion is about. Paradoxically as it sounds, the Serbian Orthodox Church has become a symbol of hate for Albanians. I can tell you from my own experience, when meeting Albanians from Kosova, I am sometimes reluctant to disclose my Orthodox religion due to misconceptions they might have about this religion. This should not be the case. The Serbian Orthodox church is giving a bad name to all Orthodox people in the Balkans. Honest god-loving Serbs have to do something to stop this.

I have serious doubt's as to the autheniticity of "proudjews" alledged ethnicity. I have a great many Jewish friends and not a single one of them feels that an independent Kosovo is a good idea.

The author of the article in question goes at great lengths to paint a rosy picture of Kosovo Albanian's Muslim religious leaders, because they've apparently refrained from speaking about Kosovo politics up until now. This however means nothing. It is my observation that Muslim clerics tend to get involved in politics when they feel that their position is jeporadised (IE: dominance of the Islamic faith). In other words, Muslim Clerics tend to speak out when they feel that things are not going their way. Now everyone knows that since Nato occupied Kosovo in 1999, just about everything has gone the Albanian's way. Hundereds of Christian Churches have been levelled to the ground, and 2/3 of the Non-Albanian (and Non-Muslim)population was expelled. Simultaneously, Gulf Arab States have funded the contruction on hundreds of Mosques in Kosovo. Religeous freedom for Muslims in Kosovo is unlimited, while that same freedom for people of other faiths (namely Orthodox Christians) is almost non-existent. In effect, Kosovo is becoming a pan-islamic paradise, simialar to places like Iran, or northern Sudan.
I believe that the only reason why the muslim clergy in Kosovo has stayed uninvolved in that region's politics, is that they've had no reason to complain up until now.

As for "ProudJews" statements on the alledged tolerance of the Albanian Muslim religious leaders in Kosovo, nothing could be further from the truth. I say this because I have never heard a single word of condemnation from any Muslim religious leader in Kosovo regarding the countless aggressions that Albanians have perpetrated against Non-Albanians, and the Serbian Orthodx Church in Kosovo since 1999. Saying that you are tolerant is one thing, but practicing tolerance is a whole different story. In this respect Albanians in Kosovo, their polititions, and their religious leaders are all full of hot air.

What's up with all the conspiracy theories? This statement was made by them on the occasion of the religious holiday of Bajram. And, it is expected from religious leaders to make statements on religious holidays. And if your country wants independence than, if you are a religious leader of in that country you mention independence in the statement. This is what Albanian Catholic and Evangelical leaders do on Christian holidays.

And this article is very accurate. All of you who say the worst things about Kosovo, have never been there. You are influenced by media representations of Muslims in the Middle East, and make the assumption that Kosovo is the same.
Orthodox Church as an organization is hated among Albanians, regardles of their (a)religious background, because it was the main supporter of Milosevic's genocidal policies.

If Albanian Muslims are so radical, then why Catholic and Evangelical churches are thriving in Kosovo? Just think about that.

seeuropeonline.blogspot.com

Dear B92,

How come some are published and some are not! I have noticed that some of my comments are published on a rare ocasion and most of them are never seen here. The person who has published my comments, I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart. The one who has refused to publish them because they may have been harsh to some side, then I suggest him to read a bit about the freedom of press. Because if Serbia and Serbian commentators here claim to Serbia have overnight become a democratic society, little of it is seen here.

Mary,

bytucci,

My wife spent over 2 years in Kosovo working for UNMIK immediately after the war in 1999. She personally witnessed many of the Albanian atrocities against Serbs and other non-albanians in Kosovo that I mentioned before, first hand. This includes the infamous bombing of a passenger bus that killed 11 serb civillians (many of whom were childern) in 2001.

To say that the Catholic and Evangelist churches are thriving is extremely misleading. Most of the Nato peace keepers in Kosovo come from Catholic and Protestant countries and they no doubt constitute the vast majority
of the patrons at these so-called "thriving Churches". In any event, it makes sense that the Albanians in Kosovo wouldn't burn down those particular churches, because they don't want to upset the hand that feeds them. I noticed that you failed to mention Kosovo's Jewish community, which is virtually non-existent these days. I wonder why that is?
Also, the Serb Orthodox church never backed any genocide policies againt Kosovo Albanians. Above all else the Serb Orthodox Church has advocated tolerance and peace. In any event, there was NO GENOCIDE committed against the Albanians in Kosovo. Had Milosevic truly intended to commit genocide against Albanians in kosovo, then I seriously doubt that you would be posting here right now.

Albanians in Kosovo keep insisting that they are not the radical muslims like their brothers in the middle east and Afghanistan, but the evidence to the contrary is quite clear. The photos of Hundreds of destroyed churches in Kosovo, and destroyed Serbian & Roma villages don't lie.
And even if this weren't the case, I can think of at least 226,000 non-albanian refugees from Kosovo who would disagree with you, not mention the 100,000 Serbs still remaining in Kosovo,who face daily harassment and attacks from the suposedly "non-radical" Muslim Albanians. What's really crazy is that most Kosovo Roma are Muslims, yet the Albanians attack them anyways. Hmm...Muslims who persecute other Muslims, now where have we seen this before? Iraq anyone?

Face it bytucci, you're flawed arguements simply don't hold any water here, nice try though.

Good job proud jew! Don't let the Serbian propaganda commentators discourage you. Your comments are the most valid I have seen published in this site. It has taken hard work and determination for Israel to have become such a wonderful state. We are just trying to do the same thing, but as you can see, we are running into a lot of minefieds, or traps set against Albanians by the Serbian goverment. You are absolutelty right about secularity in Kosovo. Young Albanians are little if none at all oriented toward the islamic doctrines. In fact they love every religion as you have described, and if it hadn't been for the support and blessings of Serbian Orthodox church for Milosevic's horrendous actions, we would have loved them to. After all, there are a lot of orthodox in southern Albania, and their belief is respected as any other beliefs amongs Albanians.

In the end, Albanians are accepting toward other and new religiions blooming with democracy. If not, protestanism and Jehovas witnesses wouldn't be on the rise.

Xhafer,

Rod,
You are obviously filled with (1) prejudice against Muslims, and (2) don't know anything about the situation in Kosovo (especially the religious make up of Albanians).

I will not dignify your claims by trying to refute them. Instead, I will point out to the general reader that the anti-Serb, anti-Roma violence that took place after the war was committed by some extremists who considered it revenge for the killings and oppression committed by the Serbian forces and paramilitaries.

These two ethnic groups were targeted because they either cooperated in or condoned the oppression/killing of Albanians. Other minorities in Kosovo support the majority Albanians in the independence demand.

(I am not justifying here any violence, and I condemn it wherever it takes place).

Albanian tolerance is what saved the Jews in WWII. The Jews left after WWII, therefore there is no Jewish community in Kosovo.

To bytycci,
You say the 'the anti-Serb, anti-Roma violence only happened after the war, and it was an act of revenge by extremists"
Firstly, stop using revenge as an excuse for the albanians crimes. You think that by using the word 'revenge', it justifies your actions?
Secondly, the reason the Serb forces were in Kosovo to begin with, was because of the behaviour of albanians. Although this was nothing new, Serbs lived in constant fear for years and it all finally came to a head.
Can you also please explain what other 'minorities' support albanian seperatism? The albanians have forced Serbs, Roma, Turks, Vlachs and other minorities completely out of the area, so i am interested to find out what other minorities are actually left to support independance?
'Albanian tolerance saved the jews'? And how was that? By supporting and siding with the nazis? While the Serbs stood alone in their fight against the nazis, their neighbours were quick to collaberate with the invaders, including the albanians. Please dont try and spread lies, it will only cause you embarrasment. Tens of thousands of Serbs were killed by the albanians as the Serbian army fled towards Greece following a massive german offensive. Is this also another example of how the albanians were on the good side?
Why is it that anyone who has an opinion other than of 'pro independance', are quickly dismissed as 'anti-muslim' or pro-serb? Your intolerance is clear for all to see. Not quite the same picture you presented the world

Max,

Thank you for your wise comments. You have a very clear understanding of what is really happening in Kosovo, and I appreciate you for speaking out.

bytucci has labelled me ant-muslim, and this is his excuse for not responding to the fact that Albanians are inflicting terror on the non-albanians in Kosovo as they have done so for the past 6 decades. To set the record straight, I am NOT anti-muslim, but I AM very much Anti-Terrorism.

To say that the other non-albanian communities in Kosovo support independence is utter nonsense. The most obvious reason why this is
true, is that both the Roma and Gorani communities have authorized the Serbian Government to represent them
in the decentralization talks & status negotiations.
Now why on earth would these communities ask the Serbian Government to represent them, if they support Albanian seperatism in Kosovo?

Also,I agree with Max that Albanians should stop using revenge as an excuse for terrorizing the other communities in Kosovo. Serbian & Roma civillians did not kill or oppress albanians in Kosovo. Of course these communities supported the Yugoslav Army, this is because the Army was protecting them from being killed by the KLA. And if you have any doubts as to whether or not this protection was necessary, simply look at what has happened to these people since there has been no army to protect them!
They were murdered and chased from their homes, their villages burned down, and their churches destroyed.
The vast majority of them are now refugees, who cannot safely return to their homes, and even if they could
return, they are prevented from doing so because Albanians have usurped their property or destroyed it all together. Albanians justify all of this despicable behavior as revenge for an imagined genocide that NEVER
HAPPENED!

Rod,

It's refreshing to hear a rational and intelligent voice amongst all the drivel i have read thus far. I have read some of your previous posts and applaude your insight.

Whilst we tend to rely on historical, political, geographical, cultural, and legal facts (need i go on?), this obviously means very little to the people who rely on personal attacks, and pure emotion, to argue their point.

The word 'genocide' has been thrown around so loosely in the media that it has lost all meaning, and has now become a mere buzz word. For the Albanians to claim 'genocide', not only does it push the realms of possibility and fantasy, it is an insult to the real victims of real genocide! What happened in Kosovo was a military crackdown on a violent seperatist movement which threatened not only Serbs and moderate Albanians in Kosovo, but the entire region. The media is responsible for much of the carnage as its one sided and bias reporting (and sometimes even fictional - anyone remember the 100,000 Albanians slaughtered by the Serbs?) allowed the Albanians to continue their policy of violence and terror, which was not only limited to Serbs but to all who opposed their policy of a purely Albanian Kosovo.

Admittedly, terrible crimes were committed by BOTH sides during the war, but unfortunately that is a fact of war, simple. There is no such thing as a 'clean' war. To potray one side as 'angels' and the other as 'devils', is not only a far cry from the truth, as in this case, it is utterly irresponsible as it only encourages further bloodshed by giving the green light for the 'angels' to commit further attrocities without consenquence. At least the Serbs have made an effort to punish the soldiers responsible for their crimes, whilst the Albanian war criminals are given government jobs and have entered the political spectrum. The Kosovo 'PM', Ceku, is a war criminal responsible for the murder of hundreds of Serbian civilians during the Croatian offensive in Krajina. Where are now all the outraged voices calling for him to be sent to the Hague? The hypocrisy and double standards of the western governments and media is nothing short of disgusting.

A perfect and obvious example of media manipulation is the treatment of the KLA. In 1998, the KLA was listed by the US as a terrorist organisation, then miraculously a few months later, that label was changed to "freedom fighters". With this in mind, it doesnt take a genius to work out how the Albanians managed to get away with their propaganda.

But as we are now witnessing, the truth cannot be concealed forever

It's very interesting to see Rod congratulating Max. Or vice versa on their intelligent thoughts. It's Max or Rod! It's actualy both Rod and Max. The same thoughts. The same writing style. One a bit meaner and the other very close to the first. It becomes funny when thoughts come from the same hand and that hand tries to fool a literary critic!

'Valentino',

So i take it your a 'literary critic'? Im very impressed . . so which publisher do you work for?

You state Rod and myself have the 'same writing style'? Well if using correct english and grammar is the 'same writing style', then yes you are correct. Or maybe you are just used to reading the other comments on this site which fall in line with your way of thinking, and are full of english and grammatical errors, so therefore our comments and 'writing style' stand out? Must obviously be the 'same hand'!

Your cleary find it very hard to believe that two people can hold the same beliefs and opinions other than those of the pro-seperatists? Using your logic it would be fair to conclude that ALL of the 'pro-independant' comments on this site are written by the 'same hand'? Or is it that you use this trickery so you are quick to accuse others of the doing the same?

The fact that we rely on FACTS, rather than just our personal opinions, maybe also has something to do with the reason our comments appear 'similar' to you. Unlike our detractors, we dont fabricate spontaneous information depending on the situation.

I suggest you reserve your 'professional judgement' as a 'literary critic' until you have read all the other comments on this site, maybe then you will open your eyes as to who is writing with the 'same hand'

Valentino, I'm going to keep this short because I think Max just did a pretty good job of responding to you. Let's just say that if I saw things the way you do, then I would assume that yourself, bytycci, and behar
are all the same person, because at some point or another you've all chosen to attack me personally rather than address the valid arguements that I've made on this website. One thing is for sure, none of you like hearing the truth about Kosovo, and you don't want others to hear it either.

I simply don't care of commentators political persuasions Rod or Max! I could care less if Kosovo stays within Serbia or becomes independent.

You could have simply ignored my comment. But you didn't! That's more than enough of proof to justify my suspicions.

I wish you success with your fabricated evidence!

Cheers, Valentino

Valentino,

If you don't care what happens in Kosovo then why are you even posting here?
If you don't care what my political opinions are, then why do you attack me personally? Why do you alledge that I am fabricating evidence? And please enlighten me by explaining exactly which evidence you believe that I've "fabricated". It appears that you're posting here out of spite, rather than the desire to have any meaningful discussion on Kosovo. Perhaps in attacking me personally, you seek to distract me and change the topic of discussion, which up until now was focused on the terror Albanians continue to inflict in Kosovo, as they have done for the past 60 years. In my experience I've observed that people who resort to personnal attacks when they have a difference in opinion, tend to do so because they have have no arguement(s) to back up they're position.

Valentino,

You must either be very bored, or just very lonely, to spend your time reading and posting comments on a topic you could'nt care less about. If you do care though for freedom, democracy and justice, then you should clearly be interested. If what's happening to Serbia and it's people was happening more closer to your home, im sure you would care a lot more.

I am glad that B92 is reporting news that are closer to reality. Religious secularism and tolerance has always characterized Albanians. Yet, in most Serbian media, Albanians are still associated with Islamic extremism. This couldn't be farther from the truth. These kind of news only breed more hatred. Knowing and understanding each other are the first steps to peace in the region.

As a Jew who has visited Kosovo/a so many times, I couldn't agree anymore with the description of the religious situation in the Kosovar society. Albanians are one of the most secular people probably in the world. Throughout visiting many of their Catholic and Muslim religous leaders, I felt a remarkable warmth and respect, an exemplary gesture of inter-religous tolerance, a willingness for peace and love for other people of other religions. The world is very much aware of the religious aspects of this new state, and it'd be way much better if the Orthodox Church leaders start to think and act in promoting tolerance, peace and love, instead of getting engaged in volatile situations imbued with obscure nationalism and dirty politics. Religion should remain strictly spiritual/personal belief.

Shalom to all Kosovar Albanians and Serbs.

This comment is for the proud jew:
You talk about peace, then why is there no peace in Israel? If Kosovo & Metohija is given independence then why shouldn't Gaza and the West Bank get the same treatment? If Israel can defend itself from radical islam then why can't Serbia do the same?

Re: Kososvo secular tradition.
If Albanians in Kososvo are not so hung up on religion, why have they and why do they continue to destroy Serb Orthodox churches, monastries, shrines etc? I can't help but feel a little cynical about this article which seems to portray Kosovo as some sort of happy-go-lucky society built on tolerence and understanding. I admit, I'm far away in Australia but some of the tolerence and understanding in Kosovo seems to be reserved for smugglers, drug traffikers and the sex industry. To gain a true indication of just how secular and tolerent Kosovo really is, we dont need to ask the local Mufti for his lopsided opinion, we need to ask the minority Serbs. Since they are apparently proud of this so called secular tradition, perhaps we ought to follow up by asking the ordinary Albanian in the street how they intend to welcome Serbs back into their community in a secular Kosovo?

Darko,
Here is something to think about. If Albanian Muslims were so extremist, why do you think Orthodox and Catholic churches in Albania are not attacked? If the issue was religion wouldn't this be likely to happen?
The Serbian Orthodox church has followed racist and fundamentalist policies. Instead of promoting peace and god's love, this church has supported the most radical factions in Serbia. I am Orthodox myself, but I would be ashamed if my church supported war criminals. This is not what religion is about. Paradoxically as it sounds, the Serbian Orthodox Church has become a symbol of hate for Albanians. I can tell you from my own experience, when meeting Albanians from Kosova, I am sometimes reluctant to disclose my Orthodox religion due to misconceptions they might have about this religion. This should not be the case. The Serbian Orthodox church is giving a bad name to all Orthodox people in the Balkans. Honest god-loving Serbs have to do something to stop this.

I have serious doubt's as to the autheniticity of "proudjews" alledged ethnicity. I have a great many Jewish friends and not a single one of them feels that an independent Kosovo is a good idea.

The author of the article in question goes at great lengths to paint a rosy picture of Kosovo Albanian's Muslim religious leaders, because they've apparently refrained from speaking about Kosovo politics up until now. This however means nothing. It is my observation that Muslim clerics tend to get involved in politics when they feel that their position is jeporadised (IE: dominance of the Islamic faith). In other words, Muslim Clerics tend to speak out when they feel that things are not going their way. Now everyone knows that since Nato occupied Kosovo in 1999, just about everything has gone the Albanian's way. Hundereds of Christian Churches have been levelled to the ground, and 2/3 of the Non-Albanian (and Non-Muslim)population was expelled. Simultaneously, Gulf Arab States have funded the contruction on hundreds of Mosques in Kosovo. Religeous freedom for Muslims in Kosovo is unlimited, while that same freedom for people of other faiths (namely Orthodox Christians) is almost non-existent. In effect, Kosovo is becoming a pan-islamic paradise, simialar to places like Iran, or northern Sudan.
I believe that the only reason why the muslim clergy in Kosovo has stayed uninvolved in that region's politics, is that they've had no reason to complain up until now.

As for "ProudJews" statements on the alledged tolerance of the Albanian Muslim religious leaders in Kosovo, nothing could be further from the truth. I say this because I have never heard a single word of condemnation from any Muslim religious leader in Kosovo regarding the countless aggressions that Albanians have perpetrated against Non-Albanians, and the Serbian Orthodx Church in Kosovo since 1999. Saying that you are tolerant is one thing, but practicing tolerance is a whole different story. In this respect Albanians in Kosovo, their polititions, and their religious leaders are all full of hot air.

What's up with all the conspiracy theories? This statement was made by them on the occasion of the religious holiday of Bajram. And, it is expected from religious leaders to make statements on religious holidays. And if your country wants independence than, if you are a religious leader of in that country you mention independence in the statement. This is what Albanian Catholic and Evangelical leaders do on Christian holidays.

And this article is very accurate. All of you who say the worst things about Kosovo, have never been there. You are influenced by media representations of Muslims in the Middle East, and make the assumption that Kosovo is the same.
Orthodox Church as an organization is hated among Albanians, regardles of their (a)religious background, because it was the main supporter of Milosevic's genocidal policies.

If Albanian Muslims are so radical, then why Catholic and Evangelical churches are thriving in Kosovo? Just think about that.

seeuropeonline.blogspot.com

Dear B92,

How come some are published and some are not! I have noticed that some of my comments are published on a rare ocasion and most of them are never seen here. The person who has published my comments, I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart. The one who has refused to publish them because they may have been harsh to some side, then I suggest him to read a bit about the freedom of press. Because if Serbia and Serbian commentators here claim to Serbia have overnight become a democratic society, little of it is seen here.

Mary,

bytucci,

My wife spent over 2 years in Kosovo working for UNMIK immediately after the war in 1999. She personally witnessed many of the Albanian atrocities against Serbs and other non-albanians in Kosovo that I mentioned before, first hand. This includes the infamous bombing of a passenger bus that killed 11 serb civillians (many of whom were childern) in 2001.

To say that the Catholic and Evangelist churches are thriving is extremely misleading. Most of the Nato peace keepers in Kosovo come from Catholic and Protestant countries and they no doubt constitute the vast majority
of the patrons at these so-called "thriving Churches". In any event, it makes sense that the Albanians in Kosovo wouldn't burn down those particular churches, because they don't want to upset the hand that feeds them. I noticed that you failed to mention Kosovo's Jewish community, which is virtually non-existent these days. I wonder why that is?
Also, the Serb Orthodox church never backed any genocide policies againt Kosovo Albanians. Above all else the Serb Orthodox Church has advocated tolerance and peace. In any event, there was NO GENOCIDE committed against the Albanians in Kosovo. Had Milosevic truly intended to commit genocide against Albanians in kosovo, then I seriously doubt that you would be posting here right now.

Albanians in Kosovo keep insisting that they are not the radical muslims like their brothers in the middle east and Afghanistan, but the evidence to the contrary is quite clear. The photos of Hundreds of destroyed churches in Kosovo, and destroyed Serbian & Roma villages don't lie.
And even if this weren't the case, I can think of at least 226,000 non-albanian refugees from Kosovo who would disagree with you, not mention the 100,000 Serbs still remaining in Kosovo,who face daily harassment and attacks from the suposedly "non-radical" Muslim Albanians. What's really crazy is that most Kosovo Roma are Muslims, yet the Albanians attack them anyways. Hmm...Muslims who persecute other Muslims, now where have we seen this before? Iraq anyone?

Face it bytucci, you're flawed arguements simply don't hold any water here, nice try though.

Good job proud jew! Don't let the Serbian propaganda commentators discourage you. Your comments are the most valid I have seen published in this site. It has taken hard work and determination for Israel to have become such a wonderful state. We are just trying to do the same thing, but as you can see, we are running into a lot of minefieds, or traps set against Albanians by the Serbian goverment. You are absolutelty right about secularity in Kosovo. Young Albanians are little if none at all oriented toward the islamic doctrines. In fact they love every religion as you have described, and if it hadn't been for the support and blessings of Serbian Orthodox church for Milosevic's horrendous actions, we would have loved them to. After all, there are a lot of orthodox in southern Albania, and their belief is respected as any other beliefs amongs Albanians.

In the end, Albanians are accepting toward other and new religiions blooming with democracy. If not, protestanism and Jehovas witnesses wouldn't be on the rise.

Xhafer,

Rod,
You are obviously filled with (1) prejudice against Muslims, and (2) don't know anything about the situation in Kosovo (especially the religious make up of Albanians).

I will not dignify your claims by trying to refute them. Instead, I will point out to the general reader that the anti-Serb, anti-Roma violence that took place after the war was committed by some extremists who considered it revenge for the killings and oppression committed by the Serbian forces and paramilitaries.

These two ethnic groups were targeted because they either cooperated in or condoned the oppression/killing of Albanians. Other minorities in Kosovo support the majority Albanians in the independence demand.

(I am not justifying here any violence, and I condemn it wherever it takes place).

Albanian tolerance is what saved the Jews in WWII. The Jews left after WWII, therefore there is no Jewish community in Kosovo.

To bytycci,
You say the 'the anti-Serb, anti-Roma violence only happened after the war, and it was an act of revenge by extremists"
Firstly, stop using revenge as an excuse for the albanians crimes. You think that by using the word 'revenge', it justifies your actions?
Secondly, the reason the Serb forces were in Kosovo to begin with, was because of the behaviour of albanians. Although this was nothing new, Serbs lived in constant fear for years and it all finally came to a head.
Can you also please explain what other 'minorities' support albanian seperatism? The albanians have forced Serbs, Roma, Turks, Vlachs and other minorities completely out of the area, so i am interested to find out what other minorities are actually left to support independance?
'Albanian tolerance saved the jews'? And how was that? By supporting and siding with the nazis? While the Serbs stood alone in their fight against the nazis, their neighbours were quick to collaberate with the invaders, including the albanians. Please dont try and spread lies, it will only cause you embarrasment. Tens of thousands of Serbs were killed by the albanians as the Serbian army fled towards Greece following a massive german offensive. Is this also another example of how the albanians were on the good side?
Why is it that anyone who has an opinion other than of 'pro independance', are quickly dismissed as 'anti-muslim' or pro-serb? Your intolerance is clear for all to see. Not quite the same picture you presented the world

Max,

Thank you for your wise comments. You have a very clear understanding of what is really happening in Kosovo, and I appreciate you for speaking out.

bytucci has labelled me ant-muslim, and this is his excuse for not responding to the fact that Albanians are inflicting terror on the non-albanians in Kosovo as they have done so for the past 6 decades. To set the record straight, I am NOT anti-muslim, but I AM very much Anti-Terrorism.

To say that the other non-albanian communities in Kosovo support independence is utter nonsense. The most obvious reason why this is
true, is that both the Roma and Gorani communities have authorized the Serbian Government to represent them
in the decentralization talks & status negotiations.
Now why on earth would these communities ask the Serbian Government to represent them, if they support Albanian seperatism in Kosovo?

Also,I agree with Max that Albanians should stop using revenge as an excuse for terrorizing the other communities in Kosovo. Serbian & Roma civillians did not kill or oppress albanians in Kosovo. Of course these communities supported the Yugoslav Army, this is because the Army was protecting them from being killed by the KLA. And if you have any doubts as to whether or not this protection was necessary, simply look at what has happened to these people since there has been no army to protect them!
They were murdered and chased from their homes, their villages burned down, and their churches destroyed.
The vast majority of them are now refugees, who cannot safely return to their homes, and even if they could
return, they are prevented from doing so because Albanians have usurped their property or destroyed it all together. Albanians justify all of this despicable behavior as revenge for an imagined genocide that NEVER
HAPPENED!

Rod,

It's refreshing to hear a rational and intelligent voice amongst all the drivel i have read thus far. I have read some of your previous posts and applaude your insight.

Whilst we tend to rely on historical, political, geographical, cultural, and legal facts (need i go on?), this obviously means very little to the people who rely on personal attacks, and pure emotion, to argue their point.

The word 'genocide' has been thrown around so loosely in the media that it has lost all meaning, and has now become a mere buzz word. For the Albanians to claim 'genocide', not only does it push the realms of possibility and fantasy, it is an insult to the real victims of real genocide! What happened in Kosovo was a military crackdown on a violent seperatist movement which threatened not only Serbs and moderate Albanians in Kosovo, but the entire region. The media is responsible for much of the carnage as its one sided and bias reporting (and sometimes even fictional - anyone remember the 100,000 Albanians slaughtered by the Serbs?) allowed the Albanians to continue their policy of violence and terror, which was not only limited to Serbs but to all who opposed their policy of a purely Albanian Kosovo.

Admittedly, terrible crimes were committed by BOTH sides during the war, but unfortunately that is a fact of war, simple. There is no such thing as a 'clean' war. To potray one side as 'angels' and the other as 'devils', is not only a far cry from the truth, as in this case, it is utterly irresponsible as it only encourages further bloodshed by giving the green light for the 'angels' to commit further attrocities without consenquence. At least the Serbs have made an effort to punish the soldiers responsible for their crimes, whilst the Albanian war criminals are given government jobs and have entered the political spectrum. The Kosovo 'PM', Ceku, is a war criminal responsible for the murder of hundreds of Serbian civilians during the Croatian offensive in Krajina. Where are now all the outraged voices calling for him to be sent to the Hague? The hypocrisy and double standards of the western governments and media is nothing short of disgusting.

A perfect and obvious example of media manipulation is the treatment of the KLA. In 1998, the KLA was listed by the US as a terrorist organisation, then miraculously a few months later, that label was changed to "freedom fighters". With this in mind, it doesnt take a genius to work out how the Albanians managed to get away with their propaganda.

But as we are now witnessing, the truth cannot be concealed forever

It's very interesting to see Rod congratulating Max. Or vice versa on their intelligent thoughts. It's Max or Rod! It's actualy both Rod and Max. The same thoughts. The same writing style. One a bit meaner and the other very close to the first. It becomes funny when thoughts come from the same hand and that hand tries to fool a literary critic!

'Valentino',

So i take it your a 'literary critic'? Im very impressed . . so which publisher do you work for?

You state Rod and myself have the 'same writing style'? Well if using correct english and grammar is the 'same writing style', then yes you are correct. Or maybe you are just used to reading the other comments on this site which fall in line with your way of thinking, and are full of english and grammatical errors, so therefore our comments and 'writing style' stand out? Must obviously be the 'same hand'!

Your cleary find it very hard to believe that two people can hold the same beliefs and opinions other than those of the pro-seperatists? Using your logic it would be fair to conclude that ALL of the 'pro-independant' comments on this site are written by the 'same hand'? Or is it that you use this trickery so you are quick to accuse others of the doing the same?

The fact that we rely on FACTS, rather than just our personal opinions, maybe also has something to do with the reason our comments appear 'similar' to you. Unlike our detractors, we dont fabricate spontaneous information depending on the situation.

I suggest you reserve your 'professional judgement' as a 'literary critic' until you have read all the other comments on this site, maybe then you will open your eyes as to who is writing with the 'same hand'

Valentino, I'm going to keep this short because I think Max just did a pretty good job of responding to you. Let's just say that if I saw things the way you do, then I would assume that yourself, bytycci, and behar
are all the same person, because at some point or another you've all chosen to attack me personally rather than address the valid arguements that I've made on this website. One thing is for sure, none of you like hearing the truth about Kosovo, and you don't want others to hear it either.

I simply don't care of commentators political persuasions Rod or Max! I could care less if Kosovo stays within Serbia or becomes independent.

You could have simply ignored my comment. But you didn't! That's more than enough of proof to justify my suspicions.

I wish you success with your fabricated evidence!

Cheers, Valentino

Valentino,

If you don't care what happens in Kosovo then why are you even posting here?
If you don't care what my political opinions are, then why do you attack me personally? Why do you alledge that I am fabricating evidence? And please enlighten me by explaining exactly which evidence you believe that I've "fabricated". It appears that you're posting here out of spite, rather than the desire to have any meaningful discussion on Kosovo. Perhaps in attacking me personally, you seek to distract me and change the topic of discussion, which up until now was focused on the terror Albanians continue to inflict in Kosovo, as they have done for the past 60 years. In my experience I've observed that people who resort to personnal attacks when they have a difference in opinion, tend to do so because they have have no arguement(s) to back up they're position.

Valentino,

You must either be very bored, or just very lonely, to spend your time reading and posting comments on a topic you could'nt care less about. If you do care though for freedom, democracy and justice, then you should clearly be interested. If what's happening to Serbia and it's people was happening more closer to your home, im sure you would care a lot more.