Kosovo leaders confident of imminent independence

US cares for Albanians, and that's why we will try to give them independence where they are winners the most.
This was our strategy from the begining not to cause harm or loss to albanians and they country Kosova, and i think we are doing a great job.
Can you see the difference from other parts of the world. We love Albania

"Bush",

You don't speak for the American people as you clearly aren't an American. Don't try to rub salt in the wounds of the Serbians who contribute to this message board by using the name of my president, not yours. If you were an American, you would know that it is called Kosovo in English, not Kosova, just like we call it Albania, not Shqiptare, and Tirana, not Tirane. Regardless of how you want to call it, the English translation is Kosovo.

The official position of the current administration also does not reflect the will of the American people. Even Ambassador Bolton, a former administration official, does not agree with the the idea of granting Kosovo independence. How can a group of people who started a war by using a terrorist organization, the KLA (deemed so by the State Department), end up fooling the world that it deserves independence and will treat its Serbian minority with respect when in 2004 it did nothing to stop the riots? I disagree with Kosovo's independence, although I find it inevitable because the Kosovars have been able to play the victim. Good luck as you will need it. You will now be free to pay your own bills, develop your own economy, and create your own messes. There is a saying that the US doesn't have friends, it has interests. Our interest in Kosovo will probably end shortly after you declare independence since we have bigger issues in the world to deal with. Kosovo isn't one of them.

I can see why the Kosovo leaders are confident. They seem to have the support of the U.S. and major allies to declare independence. However, with all that support they still haven't done it for some reason.

It might be because without Serbia's signature such a declaration means nothing? Although southern Kosovo has already been living apart from Serbia for 8 years now and it has increasing ties to Macedonia and Albania, declaring independence and actually being an independent recognized nation is not the same thing.

Here's what the Albanians can expect after their unilateral declaration: Despite NATO's presence there will be parallel Serbian institutions set up in the North around Mitrovica, which will be governed outside of Pristina's control. Kosovo will not be granted entry into the U.N or the EU due to its "unofficial status". there wiil be a continuation of tension and hostility with neighboring Serbs, which will lead to more conflicts. In addition, Kosovo's economy will not develop to its capacity and will be reliant on the hopeful generosity of certain countries and the black market. Neither of which can take the Albanians of Kosovo to the prosperity they aspire.

So far the international community powers have overtly pressured the Serbs to sign the agreement. However, there is subtle pressure on the Albanian side in that if the Serbs do not sign, there will be a perpetuated stalemate, and the scaffolding that's currently holding up the Albanian side may not always be there.

The Lakota Indians have withdrawn from all treaties their forefathers signed with the United States goverment and have declared independence. " We are no longer citizens of the United States and all those who live in the five -states area that encompasses our country are free to join us," said Russell Means, a longtime activist. The new country will issue it's own passport and drivers licenses, and living there would be tax-free, provided residents renounce their U.S. citizenship. Thw Lokota say the United States has never honored the pacts. " We have 33 treaties with the United States that they have not lived by. They continue to take our land, our water, our children," said Phyliss Young, who helped organize the first international conference on indigenous rights in Geneva in 1977. Well folks when Kosovo gets it's independnce, watch out! From Belgium to Canada to Spain, Hungary, Romania, Russia, and on.... we will have wars for indepndence. I want to wish the B92 staff a health and Happy New Year,and thank you for the opportunity to express our opinions on this forum.

"Bushi" (not Bush),

If the President represents the will of the people, why are we still in Iraq? The majority of Americans want out of Iraq, but we are still there. The President has his own views and is pushing them here. Just like the Clintons approve of gay marriage and abortion, it is not the view of the people that they are representing. It is their view that they are trying to spread.

Like I said before, Kosovo is just the flavor of the month right now. Kosovars can look to the US if they want, but that doesn't mean we are obliged to look back. You can suck up all you want. We actually enjoy that. Just don't expect anything in return.

American Eagle,

Well you can most likely speak in the name of the Serbian Americans but definitely not in the name of all Americans as you try to do.
Yes the Americans are not great in geography but most of them remember very well what Serbia did to 2 millions of her own K-Albanian citizens and will find it the most natural and logical thing when the US government recognizes Kosovo's independence.
Also please be prepared to see part of your tax dollars go to Kosovo to help that new country. I am extremly happy knowing that my tax dollars will be well spent by helping a long suffering people, who merit the support of all people of good will.

hello again,
The president represents US citiziens point of view as long as it is elected by them. Same like serbia was represented by milosevic, and today must take responsibilities.
Kosova will always be first US oriented, then EU, you like it or you have to like it. EU is also US oriented by the way.
If anyone doubted my identity, is OK, that's my intention. But my name in Albanian is Bushi

Declaire at will you'll only be at the same point you were for the past 8 years. Minus power & North Kosovo. And then the the domnios will fall. Everytime a problem starts in the world for indep, they will always reffer to the "illegal indep of Kosovo that set the precident..." .

I was also born in america, Detroit Michigan. And the people that live in the metro Detroit area will tell you that they really don't care for the Albanians that live here, much less the Albanians in Kosovo. The Albanians have a not so good reputation here.

skipp5,

I'm American, born and raised. I doubt the veracity of your claim of bipartisan support. The evangelical right, which is the base of the Republican party, has come out against independence due to the fear or Kosovo becoming a breeding ground for Muslim extremists. The Albanians who wanted to attack Ft Dix only reinforced this view.

I'd like to see your source that states this is "one of the few things that most Americans support and is about the only thing that has unwavering bipartisan support." Most Americans can't even tell you where Kosovo is. Back up your claim with facts, not with cliches.

american eagle,

whatever you vote, Kosova will be Independent becuse it is the good thing to do.
All US political sides support Kosova Independence, i am afraid you need to change country or hopelessly try to declare independence in america for all the american serbs.

yeah, Bushie... you are as american as I am... =)

but the difference is, I do not hide my identity. I am honest.

by the way, that guy on the picture doesn´t quite look like he feels very self-confident...

maybe he knows more than we do? ;)

there will be a surprise, I guess.

More hot air - boy do these so called leaders have a lot of it!! They have been claiming independence for quite some time, provided a number of dates & still nothing!!

What does that say - their word isn't worth a grain of salt.

well, some of these posters may or may not be "real" americans, but I am, simply by dint of being born here. yesterday we spotted a large article about kosovo/a featured in the usa today, which is not exactly on the cutting edge. the point is, independence is coming, and quite soon. we are very pleased, those of us who have been involved in this battle for many years, but also freedom-loving people around the world. the anti-independence voices are always shouting about american imperialism, iraq, american fickleness,etc. -- but these are just ways to get around and obscure the central point -- kosovar independence is coming, w american support, but from many europeans countries as well. for better and worse, yugoslavia is dead, and let it, finally, rest in peace! tito is desperately tired of spinning in his grave...

if serbia thinks dominio will follow, dont think that serbia want be affected, vojvodina, presheva valley etc etc.
and serbia will be the only to be blamed for it

The main question is why does the US have such an interest in Kosovo?
According to most of you; the American people have absolutely no interest and have no real care for either Kosovo Albanians or Serbians. The fact is that most Americans do not actually know where Kosovo is and the likely hood of American tourists ever visiting Kosovo is very slim, especially as the majority of Americans do not even possess passports.

So, why does the US have such an interest?
Politics and country positioning is key. Once independence has been announced, the US will be able to place a few American air bases in one of the most central strategic areas; giving further bullying strengths to the US. Political gain and greed with a hidden agenda.

Personally the whole situation will have an absolute hypocritical ending, as the majority of these countries will end up being part of the Greater EU Community and the battle for independence would have been absolutely futile. Welcome to the new Yugoslavia ruled by the west. In years to come the US will try to bring the EU down as it becomes strong. History is just repeating itself.

What makes me sad is that regular people, trying to live regular lives, are affected the most. This is wrong for all nations… and all in the name of political greed.

Answer: stop the political games that are played on human lives.

American Eagle what country or planet are you from. The present administration's stance on Kosovo is one of the few things that most Americans support and is about the only thing that has unwavering bipartisan support.
Jack, If ever a people had a right to secede from a country it would be the American Indians. I do believe they need their day in court, however there are less than 40,000 Lakota Indians and most would not give up their US citizenship. But they would need assistance, maybe Serbia could help.

Delije,

My wife read recently that in an upscale area of Detroit nice old mansions built in the thirties for executives can be bought for 350,000 dollars? Is it true? On the East Coast such villas would go for 1-1,5 million. I know that real estate prices are depressed almost everywere and the automobile industry is not doing so great but 350,000$ for a mansion (even if it needs work) sounds like a bargain. Why are they so cheap?

Why does American Eagle's ethnicity or nationality matter? If he is Serbian he doesn't have a right to an opinion? He is not allowed to express himself? Maybe he is ex GI that was stationed in Kosovo. That saw first hand the ethnic cleansing of 250,000 Serb and Roma Citizens. That saw first hand the destruction of churches and cemeteries. That maybe saw first hand the injustice in kosovo. Nah, he must be and evil Serb that does have a right to an opinion. Grow up and what's with all these delusion about American's loving Albanians, 40% of Americans High school grad's can't point out the US on a map, do you really think they know anything about Kosovo? Hey skipp, did you notice how I used the term Grad instead of graduate, thats because I knew that if I used Graduate it might revel my real ethnicity, so I tried to mask my real ethnicity by using Grad in order to trick you, because I noticed you uncovered American Eagle' real identity because he used educated and real American would ever do that.

Skipp5,

I am an Anglo-American and a college education is not something to be taken for granted, even in the US. My father didn’t go to college but worked to me and my sisters through college. Quality public university educations aren’t cheap either. My guess is that you were meaning a high-school education in your comments, but that’s not what I meant.

I know the tendency is for Albanians to say that if you don’t believe in their cause, then you are a Serb or a Serb-sympathizer. I’m used to it. But I grew up in the US where my opinions are my own and don’t have to be influenced by cultures of hate. My comments are pointing out fact, not passions.

It’s not just two members of the evangelical right that I use for my arguments. It is the whole right that I am talking about plus those in academia who have studied the issue. There have been debates at Yale about Kosovo’s situation. The general public doesn’t hear about that because we only get news given to us at an eighth grade level. Robertson made his statement against Kosovo’s independence and hasn’t back down since, even though Russia supported Serbia from the beginning. I know my comments are unpopular because they are based on fact, but that’s what I stand for. I have a simple question for you Skipp5. Why haven’t you criticized the Albanian commentators for their comments? Do you think they are all correct?

And yes, I have seen the Kosovar treatment of Serbs first hand. I have seen the destroyed churches and the enclaves that they live in. It’s despicable. I don’t believe implementation of the Ahtisaari plan will take place. If they haven’t started implementation so far as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt they will follow through after this is all over and one with.

"This was our strategy from the begining not to cause harm or loss to albanians and they country Kosova, and i think we are doing a great job.
"

If you were an American you would not write "they country" but "their country". I really don't think too many Americans know who Albanians are, nor do they really care about them. The sooner Kosovo stops acting like a charity case that worships everything American thinking that they are their new best friends and starts acting on its own accord as an independent country when it declares it, the sooner will it reach European standards.

Same goes for Serbia when it comes to Russia. Get over it people, Americans don't care about Kosovo (most have no clue where it is) and Russians have bigger issues intheir lives than the welfare of Serbia and its sovereignty. You are Europeans, why not focus there first?

No independence Dec 10. Jan mentioned, then March.
Wake up, there is no independence coming. This hesitation in real support from the EU is just an indication that they want to wash their collective hands of this mess the Americans have made.
K albs, you have been abandoned!

Bob, American's don't run their country but their leader(s) do. This is the reason why most American's not being aware of Kosova is not a problem. The big dogs at Washington know us, that's all that matters.

Joe,

I am not a Serbian American. I don't speak on their behalf. I'm an educated American who can sift through facts instead of stories and legends about how Albanians are Illyrians and that this land was given to them by a two headed eagle. I take it you are either Albanian-American or a sympathizer based on your past statements. If not, you shouldn't try to label someone based on their stands. I am opposed to Kosovo's independence based on the logic I grew up with and the education that I took in. Dismembering any country is wrong and I believe allowing Kosovo to become independent does set precedent that will encourage this to happen worldwide. Milosevic was an evil person, but you don't punish a nation for the acts of it leaders. When we interned the Japanese Americans during World War II, would that have given the Japanese Americans the right take land from the US and create their own country? What about the African that were brought to the US and held in slavery? We said we are sorry and moved on bringing them back into American society. Instead of telling the Albanians that they deserve independence, we should be telling them that good neighborly relations can happen as one state with two systems, as Serbia has suggested, until both areas can be integrated into the EU where borders do not matter anymore. How do you expect the two areas to even belong to the EU when the Albanians say that they can’t even live with each other anymore (while promising to protect their Serbian minority)? That attitude won’t change when accession talks begin. Of course, I’m sure the Albanians realizing that Serbia can block Kosovo’s accession to the EU will change their statements by then. You encourage separatism instead of conflict resolution.

Have you also looked at the budget to see what has been set aside for Kosovo? The only mention is money that was approved under a general debt relief program. That doesn’t go to Kosovo, but to countries Kosovo owes. And the US will not foot the bill in Kosovo. It will be the EU. How much money is given to Bosnia? Not much, I can tell you that.

The majority of Americans don't know what even happened in Kosovo. At that time, Bill Clinton was still dogged with the Lewinsky controversy and overcoming his impeachment controversy. People might have seen it, but it has faded until now, when it still doesn’t get the publicity that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan get.

And money being well spent? I don’t see that here in Kosovo. The only thing I see are politicians with nice clothes and cars while the infrastructure is in disrepair and trash litters the roads from the guy driving in front of me who doesn’t understand what a trashcan is. I’m sure the tax dollars spent on Kosovo will become part of one of those ABC, CBS, NBC news investigates stories about corruption they like to play.

Doni, I vote in the US where we don’t stuff ballot boxes like the recent Kosovo election. My vote matters in American politics. Please cite your sources when you make comments that all US political sides support Kosovo’s independence. As I stated before, the conservative base of the Republican party is against it because of the increased threat of radicalization. The four Albanians who came as refugees to my country and plotted to attack a military installation didn’t help your cause. That still plays on the news.

Bob,

Kosovo isn't a strategic location. It's a landlocked area with poor infrastructure and doesn’t suite any military or political need. The US doesn’t need it as we have already signed agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, which are locations that can provide quick transport to today’s hotspots in the Middle East. I’m sure that Kosovo will fade away after all is over and done with. We really don’t need it.

"Why are they so cheap?
(Joe, 23 December 2007 01:15) "

Elementary my dear Joe. Your subprime mortgage fiasco really and truly dragged your entire realty prices down the tubes. No one is spared, not even the supposedly upper crust housing market or the banks that financed these countless botched deals.

Still don't believe? Ask Morgan Stanley - they were desperate enough to sell a $5bil stake to -- are you ready for this -- COMMUNIST China! And it is now in frantic negotiations with Temasek Holdings, the investment arm of another Asian country Singapore for an injection of funds of up to another $5bn. Meanwhile you may want to check up on Citibank's financial quagmire too.

Joe

Wouldn't you rather see your tax money spent on providing free health insurance to US children than some country that makes no difference in the lives of the average American? Sorry, I refuse to believe that many Americans appreciate the idea that so much of their taxes are spent on some foreign affairs that make no difference in their everyday lives. I know I don't appreciate my tax money going to the armies in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's stupid.

I am not a Serbian American. I don't speak on their behalf. I'm an educated American who can sift through facts instead of stories and legends about how Albanians are Illyrians and that this land was given to them by a two headed eagle. I

-This land was given to them by a two headed eagle??? I’m Albanian but I never heard that story.

“Milosevic was an evil person, but you don't punish a nation for the acts of it leaders. When we interned the Japanese Americans during World War II, would that have given the Japanese Americans the right take land from the US and create their own country?”

1.Yes you do punish the Nation since they have supported him, and in fact most Serbs still support the same ideology.

2.We’re not talking about interned Japanese here but about a part of former Yugoslavia. Such comparisons make me sick!

“…as Serbia has suggested, until both areas can be integrated into the EU where borders do not matter anymore.”

-I guess in that case Serbia should not be so upset about Kosovo’s independence.


“Of course, I’m sure the Albanians realizing that Serbia can block Kosovo’s accession to the EU will change their statements by then”

-Really? I think it will be vice versa. I don’t think Brussels will make the same mistake as with Cyprus. Serbia will have to come to terms with the reality before it can join the EU.


PS: The Americans who don’t know where Kosovo is won’t be for OR against independence. Don’t waste you time with those people.

American Eagle a couple of things give you away. You say I am an educated American. Education is something taken for granted in America no one says I am an educated American. People in eastern Europe have not always been afforded that luxury and therefore are quick to highlight it. 2nd your comments are too highlighted with hatred for Albanians also not common, Russian yes,
Bulgarian, Romanian, Serbian, Albanian etc. no. Even the Russian is stretching it today. You want everyone to support their claims with facts but I have not seen any from you.
By evangelical right I am sure you are talking about the statements from Pat Roberson and the late Jerry Falwell in support of Serbia, but you will also notice that they became silent the day Russia started headlining support for Serbia.

Why does American Eagle's ethnicity or nationality matter? If he is Serbian he doesn't have a right to an opinion? He is not allowed to express himself? Maybe he is ex GI that was stationed in Kosovo. That saw first hand the ethnic cleansing of 250,000 Serb and Roma Citizens. That saw first hand the destruction of churches and cemeteries. That maybe saw first hand the injustice in kosovo. Nah, he must be and evil Serb that does have a right to an opinion. Grow up and what's with all these delusion about American's loving Albanians, 40% of Americans High school grad's can't point out the US on a map, do you really think they know anything about Kosovo? Hey skipp, did you notice how I used the term Grad instead of graduate, thats because I knew that if I used Graduate it might revel my real ethnicity, so I tried to mask my real ethnicity by using Grad in order to trick you, because I noticed you uncovered American Eagle' real identity because he used educated and real American would ever do that. You are a real sleuth!

American Eagle I commend you. Keep speaking out! I thought you might be an ex-Gi Thank you for your service, hopefully the western world will come to its senses and allow 250,000 ethnically cleansed Serb and Roma citizens to return to Kosovo!

lowe,

Yes the subprime mortgage fiasco is the main culpit but in the case of Detroit the erosion of good paying jobs in the car industry is a serious problem. I wanted to hear it from Delije, who supposedly lives there (maybe not after all).
I work in the brokerage industry. I could not care less if Morgan Stanley (a competitor) loses money or even goes bally up. And who cares about the source of the lending? Chinease or Martians as long as it it money.
And Citibank? Its stock came down from about 98$ to the low 50's. Why would I care? In 2000-2002 I lost money on the stock market like many people. Those who did not invest did not care about other people's loses. It was always like this.
What I want to highlight is that one person's "malheur" is an other one's opportunity. The case of the mansions in Detroit seems like a good opportunity. I have real estate in 3 states.

US cares for Albanians, and that's why we will try to give them independence where they are winners the most.
This was our strategy from the begining not to cause harm or loss to albanians and they country Kosova, and i think we are doing a great job.
Can you see the difference from other parts of the world. We love Albania

well, some of these posters may or may not be "real" americans, but I am, simply by dint of being born here. yesterday we spotted a large article about kosovo/a featured in the usa today, which is not exactly on the cutting edge. the point is, independence is coming, and quite soon. we are very pleased, those of us who have been involved in this battle for many years, but also freedom-loving people around the world. the anti-independence voices are always shouting about american imperialism, iraq, american fickleness,etc. -- but these are just ways to get around and obscure the central point -- kosovar independence is coming, w american support, but from many europeans countries as well. for better and worse, yugoslavia is dead, and let it, finally, rest in peace! tito is desperately tired of spinning in his grave...

if serbia thinks dominio will follow, dont think that serbia want be affected, vojvodina, presheva valley etc etc.
and serbia will be the only to be blamed for it

"Bush",

You don't speak for the American people as you clearly aren't an American. Don't try to rub salt in the wounds of the Serbians who contribute to this message board by using the name of my president, not yours. If you were an American, you would know that it is called Kosovo in English, not Kosova, just like we call it Albania, not Shqiptare, and Tirana, not Tirane. Regardless of how you want to call it, the English translation is Kosovo.

The official position of the current administration also does not reflect the will of the American people. Even Ambassador Bolton, a former administration official, does not agree with the the idea of granting Kosovo independence. How can a group of people who started a war by using a terrorist organization, the KLA (deemed so by the State Department), end up fooling the world that it deserves independence and will treat its Serbian minority with respect when in 2004 it did nothing to stop the riots? I disagree with Kosovo's independence, although I find it inevitable because the Kosovars have been able to play the victim. Good luck as you will need it. You will now be free to pay your own bills, develop your own economy, and create your own messes. There is a saying that the US doesn't have friends, it has interests. Our interest in Kosovo will probably end shortly after you declare independence since we have bigger issues in the world to deal with. Kosovo isn't one of them.

hello again,
The president represents US citiziens point of view as long as it is elected by them. Same like serbia was represented by milosevic, and today must take responsibilities.
Kosova will always be first US oriented, then EU, you like it or you have to like it. EU is also US oriented by the way.
If anyone doubted my identity, is OK, that's my intention. But my name in Albanian is Bushi

American Eagle,

Well you can most likely speak in the name of the Serbian Americans but definitely not in the name of all Americans as you try to do.
Yes the Americans are not great in geography but most of them remember very well what Serbia did to 2 millions of her own K-Albanian citizens and will find it the most natural and logical thing when the US government recognizes Kosovo's independence.
Also please be prepared to see part of your tax dollars go to Kosovo to help that new country. I am extremly happy knowing that my tax dollars will be well spent by helping a long suffering people, who merit the support of all people of good will.

american eagle,

whatever you vote, Kosova will be Independent becuse it is the good thing to do.
All US political sides support Kosova Independence, i am afraid you need to change country or hopelessly try to declare independence in america for all the american serbs.

The Lakota Indians have withdrawn from all treaties their forefathers signed with the United States goverment and have declared independence. " We are no longer citizens of the United States and all those who live in the five -states area that encompasses our country are free to join us," said Russell Means, a longtime activist. The new country will issue it's own passport and drivers licenses, and living there would be tax-free, provided residents renounce their U.S. citizenship. Thw Lokota say the United States has never honored the pacts. " We have 33 treaties with the United States that they have not lived by. They continue to take our land, our water, our children," said Phyliss Young, who helped organize the first international conference on indigenous rights in Geneva in 1977. Well folks when Kosovo gets it's independnce, watch out! From Belgium to Canada to Spain, Hungary, Romania, Russia, and on.... we will have wars for indepndence. I want to wish the B92 staff a health and Happy New Year,and thank you for the opportunity to express our opinions on this forum.

I can see why the Kosovo leaders are confident. They seem to have the support of the U.S. and major allies to declare independence. However, with all that support they still haven't done it for some reason.

It might be because without Serbia's signature such a declaration means nothing? Although southern Kosovo has already been living apart from Serbia for 8 years now and it has increasing ties to Macedonia and Albania, declaring independence and actually being an independent recognized nation is not the same thing.

Here's what the Albanians can expect after their unilateral declaration: Despite NATO's presence there will be parallel Serbian institutions set up in the North around Mitrovica, which will be governed outside of Pristina's control. Kosovo will not be granted entry into the U.N or the EU due to its "unofficial status". there wiil be a continuation of tension and hostility with neighboring Serbs, which will lead to more conflicts. In addition, Kosovo's economy will not develop to its capacity and will be reliant on the hopeful generosity of certain countries and the black market. Neither of which can take the Albanians of Kosovo to the prosperity they aspire.

So far the international community powers have overtly pressured the Serbs to sign the agreement. However, there is subtle pressure on the Albanian side in that if the Serbs do not sign, there will be a perpetuated stalemate, and the scaffolding that's currently holding up the Albanian side may not always be there.

American Eagle what country or planet are you from. The present administration's stance on Kosovo is one of the few things that most Americans support and is about the only thing that has unwavering bipartisan support.
Jack, If ever a people had a right to secede from a country it would be the American Indians. I do believe they need their day in court, however there are less than 40,000 Lakota Indians and most would not give up their US citizenship. But they would need assistance, maybe Serbia could help.

skipp5,

I'm American, born and raised. I doubt the veracity of your claim of bipartisan support. The evangelical right, which is the base of the Republican party, has come out against independence due to the fear or Kosovo becoming a breeding ground for Muslim extremists. The Albanians who wanted to attack Ft Dix only reinforced this view.

I'd like to see your source that states this is "one of the few things that most Americans support and is about the only thing that has unwavering bipartisan support." Most Americans can't even tell you where Kosovo is. Back up your claim with facts, not with cliches.

American Eagle a couple of things give you away. You say I am an educated American. Education is something taken for granted in America no one says I am an educated American. People in eastern Europe have not always been afforded that luxury and therefore are quick to highlight it. 2nd your comments are too highlighted with hatred for Albanians also not common, Russian yes,
Bulgarian, Romanian, Serbian, Albanian etc. no. Even the Russian is stretching it today. You want everyone to support their claims with facts but I have not seen any from you.
By evangelical right I am sure you are talking about the statements from Pat Roberson and the late Jerry Falwell in support of Serbia, but you will also notice that they became silent the day Russia started headlining support for Serbia.

"This was our strategy from the begining not to cause harm or loss to albanians and they country Kosova, and i think we are doing a great job.
"

If you were an American you would not write "they country" but "their country". I really don't think too many Americans know who Albanians are, nor do they really care about them. The sooner Kosovo stops acting like a charity case that worships everything American thinking that they are their new best friends and starts acting on its own accord as an independent country when it declares it, the sooner will it reach European standards.

Same goes for Serbia when it comes to Russia. Get over it people, Americans don't care about Kosovo (most have no clue where it is) and Russians have bigger issues intheir lives than the welfare of Serbia and its sovereignty. You are Europeans, why not focus there first?

yeah, Bushie... you are as american as I am... =)

but the difference is, I do not hide my identity. I am honest.

by the way, that guy on the picture doesn´t quite look like he feels very self-confident...

maybe he knows more than we do? ;)

there will be a surprise, I guess.

More hot air - boy do these so called leaders have a lot of it!! They have been claiming independence for quite some time, provided a number of dates & still nothing!!

What does that say - their word isn't worth a grain of salt.

Declaire at will you'll only be at the same point you were for the past 8 years. Minus power & North Kosovo. And then the the domnios will fall. Everytime a problem starts in the world for indep, they will always reffer to the "illegal indep of Kosovo that set the precident..." .

"Bushi" (not Bush),

If the President represents the will of the people, why are we still in Iraq? The majority of Americans want out of Iraq, but we are still there. The President has his own views and is pushing them here. Just like the Clintons approve of gay marriage and abortion, it is not the view of the people that they are representing. It is their view that they are trying to spread.

Like I said before, Kosovo is just the flavor of the month right now. Kosovars can look to the US if they want, but that doesn't mean we are obliged to look back. You can suck up all you want. We actually enjoy that. Just don't expect anything in return.

I was also born in america, Detroit Michigan. And the people that live in the metro Detroit area will tell you that they really don't care for the Albanians that live here, much less the Albanians in Kosovo. The Albanians have a not so good reputation here.

Delije,

My wife read recently that in an upscale area of Detroit nice old mansions built in the thirties for executives can be bought for 350,000 dollars? Is it true? On the East Coast such villas would go for 1-1,5 million. I know that real estate prices are depressed almost everywere and the automobile industry is not doing so great but 350,000$ for a mansion (even if it needs work) sounds like a bargain. Why are they so cheap?

No independence Dec 10. Jan mentioned, then March.
Wake up, there is no independence coming. This hesitation in real support from the EU is just an indication that they want to wash their collective hands of this mess the Americans have made.
K albs, you have been abandoned!

The main question is why does the US have such an interest in Kosovo?
According to most of you; the American people have absolutely no interest and have no real care for either Kosovo Albanians or Serbians. The fact is that most Americans do not actually know where Kosovo is and the likely hood of American tourists ever visiting Kosovo is very slim, especially as the majority of Americans do not even possess passports.

So, why does the US have such an interest?
Politics and country positioning is key. Once independence has been announced, the US will be able to place a few American air bases in one of the most central strategic areas; giving further bullying strengths to the US. Political gain and greed with a hidden agenda.

Personally the whole situation will have an absolute hypocritical ending, as the majority of these countries will end up being part of the Greater EU Community and the battle for independence would have been absolutely futile. Welcome to the new Yugoslavia ruled by the west. In years to come the US will try to bring the EU down as it becomes strong. History is just repeating itself.

What makes me sad is that regular people, trying to live regular lives, are affected the most. This is wrong for all nations… and all in the name of political greed.

Answer: stop the political games that are played on human lives.

Bob, American's don't run their country but their leader(s) do. This is the reason why most American's not being aware of Kosova is not a problem. The big dogs at Washington know us, that's all that matters.

Joe,

I am not a Serbian American. I don't speak on their behalf. I'm an educated American who can sift through facts instead of stories and legends about how Albanians are Illyrians and that this land was given to them by a two headed eagle. I take it you are either Albanian-American or a sympathizer based on your past statements. If not, you shouldn't try to label someone based on their stands. I am opposed to Kosovo's independence based on the logic I grew up with and the education that I took in. Dismembering any country is wrong and I believe allowing Kosovo to become independent does set precedent that will encourage this to happen worldwide. Milosevic was an evil person, but you don't punish a nation for the acts of it leaders. When we interned the Japanese Americans during World War II, would that have given the Japanese Americans the right take land from the US and create their own country? What about the African that were brought to the US and held in slavery? We said we are sorry and moved on bringing them back into American society. Instead of telling the Albanians that they deserve independence, we should be telling them that good neighborly relations can happen as one state with two systems, as Serbia has suggested, until both areas can be integrated into the EU where borders do not matter anymore. How do you expect the two areas to even belong to the EU when the Albanians say that they can’t even live with each other anymore (while promising to protect their Serbian minority)? That attitude won’t change when accession talks begin. Of course, I’m sure the Albanians realizing that Serbia can block Kosovo’s accession to the EU will change their statements by then. You encourage separatism instead of conflict resolution.

Have you also looked at the budget to see what has been set aside for Kosovo? The only mention is money that was approved under a general debt relief program. That doesn’t go to Kosovo, but to countries Kosovo owes. And the US will not foot the bill in Kosovo. It will be the EU. How much money is given to Bosnia? Not much, I can tell you that.

The majority of Americans don't know what even happened in Kosovo. At that time, Bill Clinton was still dogged with the Lewinsky controversy and overcoming his impeachment controversy. People might have seen it, but it has faded until now, when it still doesn’t get the publicity that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan get.

And money being well spent? I don’t see that here in Kosovo. The only thing I see are politicians with nice clothes and cars while the infrastructure is in disrepair and trash litters the roads from the guy driving in front of me who doesn’t understand what a trashcan is. I’m sure the tax dollars spent on Kosovo will become part of one of those ABC, CBS, NBC news investigates stories about corruption they like to play.

Doni, I vote in the US where we don’t stuff ballot boxes like the recent Kosovo election. My vote matters in American politics. Please cite your sources when you make comments that all US political sides support Kosovo’s independence. As I stated before, the conservative base of the Republican party is against it because of the increased threat of radicalization. The four Albanians who came as refugees to my country and plotted to attack a military installation didn’t help your cause. That still plays on the news.

Bob,

Kosovo isn't a strategic location. It's a landlocked area with poor infrastructure and doesn’t suite any military or political need. The US doesn’t need it as we have already signed agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, which are locations that can provide quick transport to today’s hotspots in the Middle East. I’m sure that Kosovo will fade away after all is over and done with. We really don’t need it.

"Why are they so cheap?
(Joe, 23 December 2007 01:15) "

Elementary my dear Joe. Your subprime mortgage fiasco really and truly dragged your entire realty prices down the tubes. No one is spared, not even the supposedly upper crust housing market or the banks that financed these countless botched deals.

Still don't believe? Ask Morgan Stanley - they were desperate enough to sell a $5bil stake to -- are you ready for this -- COMMUNIST China! And it is now in frantic negotiations with Temasek Holdings, the investment arm of another Asian country Singapore for an injection of funds of up to another $5bn. Meanwhile you may want to check up on Citibank's financial quagmire too.

Joe

Wouldn't you rather see your tax money spent on providing free health insurance to US children than some country that makes no difference in the lives of the average American? Sorry, I refuse to believe that many Americans appreciate the idea that so much of their taxes are spent on some foreign affairs that make no difference in their everyday lives. I know I don't appreciate my tax money going to the armies in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's stupid.

I am not a Serbian American. I don't speak on their behalf. I'm an educated American who can sift through facts instead of stories and legends about how Albanians are Illyrians and that this land was given to them by a two headed eagle. I

-This land was given to them by a two headed eagle??? I’m Albanian but I never heard that story.

“Milosevic was an evil person, but you don't punish a nation for the acts of it leaders. When we interned the Japanese Americans during World War II, would that have given the Japanese Americans the right take land from the US and create their own country?”

1.Yes you do punish the Nation since they have supported him, and in fact most Serbs still support the same ideology.

2.We’re not talking about interned Japanese here but about a part of former Yugoslavia. Such comparisons make me sick!

“…as Serbia has suggested, until both areas can be integrated into the EU where borders do not matter anymore.”

-I guess in that case Serbia should not be so upset about Kosovo’s independence.


“Of course, I’m sure the Albanians realizing that Serbia can block Kosovo’s accession to the EU will change their statements by then”

-Really? I think it will be vice versa. I don’t think Brussels will make the same mistake as with Cyprus. Serbia will have to come to terms with the reality before it can join the EU.


PS: The Americans who don’t know where Kosovo is won’t be for OR against independence. Don’t waste you time with those people.

lowe,

Yes the subprime mortgage fiasco is the main culpit but in the case of Detroit the erosion of good paying jobs in the car industry is a serious problem. I wanted to hear it from Delije, who supposedly lives there (maybe not after all).
I work in the brokerage industry. I could not care less if Morgan Stanley (a competitor) loses money or even goes bally up. And who cares about the source of the lending? Chinease or Martians as long as it it money.
And Citibank? Its stock came down from about 98$ to the low 50's. Why would I care? In 2000-2002 I lost money on the stock market like many people. Those who did not invest did not care about other people's loses. It was always like this.
What I want to highlight is that one person's "malheur" is an other one's opportunity. The case of the mansions in Detroit seems like a good opportunity. I have real estate in 3 states.

Why does American Eagle's ethnicity or nationality matter? If he is Serbian he doesn't have a right to an opinion? He is not allowed to express himself? Maybe he is ex GI that was stationed in Kosovo. That saw first hand the ethnic cleansing of 250,000 Serb and Roma Citizens. That saw first hand the destruction of churches and cemeteries. That maybe saw first hand the injustice in kosovo. Nah, he must be and evil Serb that does have a right to an opinion. Grow up and what's with all these delusion about American's loving Albanians, 40% of Americans High school grad's can't point out the US on a map, do you really think they know anything about Kosovo? Hey skipp, did you notice how I used the term Grad instead of graduate, thats because I knew that if I used Graduate it might revel my real ethnicity, so I tried to mask my real ethnicity by using Grad in order to trick you, because I noticed you uncovered American Eagle' real identity because he used educated and real American would ever do that.

Skipp5,

I am an Anglo-American and a college education is not something to be taken for granted, even in the US. My father didn’t go to college but worked to me and my sisters through college. Quality public university educations aren’t cheap either. My guess is that you were meaning a high-school education in your comments, but that’s not what I meant.

I know the tendency is for Albanians to say that if you don’t believe in their cause, then you are a Serb or a Serb-sympathizer. I’m used to it. But I grew up in the US where my opinions are my own and don’t have to be influenced by cultures of hate. My comments are pointing out fact, not passions.

It’s not just two members of the evangelical right that I use for my arguments. It is the whole right that I am talking about plus those in academia who have studied the issue. There have been debates at Yale about Kosovo’s situation. The general public doesn’t hear about that because we only get news given to us at an eighth grade level. Robertson made his statement against Kosovo’s independence and hasn’t back down since, even though Russia supported Serbia from the beginning. I know my comments are unpopular because they are based on fact, but that’s what I stand for. I have a simple question for you Skipp5. Why haven’t you criticized the Albanian commentators for their comments? Do you think they are all correct?

And yes, I have seen the Kosovar treatment of Serbs first hand. I have seen the destroyed churches and the enclaves that they live in. It’s despicable. I don’t believe implementation of the Ahtisaari plan will take place. If they haven’t started implementation so far as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt they will follow through after this is all over and one with.

Why does American Eagle's ethnicity or nationality matter? If he is Serbian he doesn't have a right to an opinion? He is not allowed to express himself? Maybe he is ex GI that was stationed in Kosovo. That saw first hand the ethnic cleansing of 250,000 Serb and Roma Citizens. That saw first hand the destruction of churches and cemeteries. That maybe saw first hand the injustice in kosovo. Nah, he must be and evil Serb that does have a right to an opinion. Grow up and what's with all these delusion about American's loving Albanians, 40% of Americans High school grad's can't point out the US on a map, do you really think they know anything about Kosovo? Hey skipp, did you notice how I used the term Grad instead of graduate, thats because I knew that if I used Graduate it might revel my real ethnicity, so I tried to mask my real ethnicity by using Grad in order to trick you, because I noticed you uncovered American Eagle' real identity because he used educated and real American would ever do that. You are a real sleuth!

American Eagle I commend you. Keep speaking out! I thought you might be an ex-Gi Thank you for your service, hopefully the western world will come to its senses and allow 250,000 ethnically cleansed Serb and Roma citizens to return to Kosovo!