U.S.: No Kosovo delays; Russia: Firmly with Serbia

"Rice was on her way to Berlin for a meeting with her German, French and British counterparts."

Why only those three? I thought the EU had 27 members.
Here we have the US and the "big shots" in the EU conspiring together to undermine international law and push forward an imperialist agenda.

The Lisbon Treaty must be defeated.

Poor Condi. She can not have her way with her illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plan and it is starting to sink in. She also lost her buddy, the number one anti-Serb in the administration, Nicholas Burns. The Russians have just told her once again in the firmest language possible that their actions are illegal and there is no bargaining on this.

George, were it 1999 I might be inclined to agree with your assessment of unipolarity, but after reading your reply, your comment is more emotional fluff than rational thinking.

American unipolarity is dead and it can be seen everywhere. Economically the US and China are interdependent and in Europe, Russia supplies over 90% of Europe's oil and natural gas. Struggling power? Not anymore my friend. Politically in Europe, the US needs EU support for its policies and will not make a move on Kosovo unless it has the backing of Brussels. Militarily, the US can't even pacify a group of rag-tag insurgents in Iraq and has even pondered the humiliating option of cooperating with Iran. Your views of my country, while flattering and complimentary, are nevertheless faulty and out of date. Were America the sole superpower as you like to believe, Kosovo would be:

a) already independent
b) under the firm control of Washington and not a bunch of squabbling Eurocrats who will give you limited sovereignty at best
c) irrelevant to any and all Russian theats to veto or administratively block.

None of these scenarios have, or will, manifest.

So I will hold to my opinions that America needs to "cut a deal" and move on. Such an option does not diminish America's stature in the world, but augments it, as it shows Washington is mature enough to know when obstacles are in its way, and will work with, rather than compete with, those powers blocking said interests. What has America to gain from further alienating Russia? Russia may not be able to "harm" America in the classic sense, but it can certainly limit America's legitimate authority in the world.

And finally George, I really don't think "humiliation" is going to happen for either Washington or Moscow. I know you'd like nothing more than to see Russia humbled and defeated, but this is real life, not the comic books. States cut deals, negotiate, and bargain away smaller interests for bigger issues.

Plus, if you're going to bet anyone's life on the outcome, put yours up for bidding, not mine.

So according to Rice:

1. Kosovo's status needs to be solved immediately
2. The outcome will come as a result of making "difficult decisions"
3. Instability in the Balkans needs to be avoided

I don't think anyone will disagree with any of that. The problem has been how these three points are reached. This has been the sticking point all along.

Cut a deal with Russia and move forward. Two Great Powers should be able to come to an agreement over what is little more than a regional issue between them. Good relations with Moscow is critical to US strategic interests.

Who are Russia anyway? They are not important, they will back down infront of the one and only superpower...

Oh, I forgot that it isn't 99 anymore and the current Russian president is busy with real politics instead of selling his name to be branded on vodka bottles like the earlier one

"The Lisbon Treaty must be defeated."

I second this. We're moving rapidly into the implementation of EUSSR:

http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/2773

I'm full of respect for Serbia resisting this and refusing to yield to intimidation. That's good for Europe at large.

The US, on the other hand, seems to be welcoming Kosovo's new drug overlords :(

Why Tom, did you expect Romania or Cyprus to run the show or what?

Russia "will defend its position all the way". These words are very clear to anyone willing to listen! Even I underestimated the Russians when I stated "Russia will back Serbia but not get directly involved", it won't happen again! Underestimate Russia/Serbia at your own peril! Tom is correct; the Lisbon Treaty is the failed EU constitution in disguise, and the EU will/has become a German lead Empire. If this is true (figure it out for yourself) should Serbia become a part of it? If so, for what did you fight two world wars? Was it all in vain only to become part of a German Empire willingly? If you join (EU) make sure you are not signing away your independence and make sure you don't vote for someone who will.

The European PACE has stated teh opposite that Rice would like to hear;

"The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has confirmed the importance of a mutually acceptable solution regarding the Kosovo status.

PACE also called for further negotiations, consultations and other kinds of contacts concerning the future of the Kosovo territory in line with UN Security Council resolution 1244. This is necessary for reaching a compromise and preventing the Kosovo situation from turning into a hotspot or another frozen conflict. "
http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12282188&PageNum=0

- whats that it will become a "Frozen conflict" ! Has anyone told the ethnic Albanians that they are about create a situation worse then status quo ? Do they understand that that their illegal shenanigans will in reality be at worst create a "hotspot" or at best create a "frozen conflict" - and they expect this illegal declaration of Dependence to bring foreign investment ? I think they may have placed all their illegal eggs in one basket i.e they are banking on US and Western Europe for foreign investment but given the huge credit crunch affecting world markets it looks a poor choice at best!

The countdown has already
started for the Bush mandra.
After seven years of upheavals and destructions
allover the world Bush is now trying to present himself
as the protector of freedom-
loving minorities.Hence the
Kosovo debacle. The irony is
that there are people on this
forum that pay significant
homage on the policies of the
US admninistration.Has any
Albanian questioned why
kosovars are Bush's chosen
people? Why should the US
administration risk cooling
relations with Russia over
kosovo?
There are more sinister
reasons in US policy which
has nothing to do with the
welfare of the albanians.It
seems to me that the US took
a leaf from British colonial
policy which was "divide and
rule".By breaking up countries they hope to create a new international
order which will be based on
the principle of masters and
serfs.

Exactly so Tom O'Donoghue, the question is very crucial, why only those 3 countries? Is it possible that the rest of the EU members have no say on what those 3 countries so called the EU members decide? For the time being the EU is not unified over Kosovo and makes me wonder how do they think to implement their brutal attempts.

-The EU is divided and the UNSC is divided over Kosovo status, the resolution 1244 still in action and and the USA wants no delays. I mean, this is really amusing. Guess the world is turning into tragic-comedy. The EU is an utter USA's follower.

Funcakes, Hermon Qilleri,

Fortunately there still exists some democracy within the EU, so The Brits, Germans and French can decide what they like but it's the other 24 countries who will decide EU policy.
In fact this is what worries me about the Lisbon Treaty - the people who devised it think like you two do.

Mrs.Rice is losing weight, politically, of course.

the words of Mr.Lavrov are quite good chosen, and I think there´s no room for speculations, he made it clear.
( just remember that "one-and-only-global-superpower"-nonsense need I say more? )

The fact that Rice sees fit to only conspire with those three is proof that either she doesn't respect anyone else of nobody would else would fall in line.

Either way, it sends a clear message to the rest of Europe where they stand with the US.

Maybe she only has three countries left which are still living in the past of the glorious British empire and think they can run the world, but that is not how it is today.

Tom why do you think only the four of them they will decide the time place and circumstances. Dont you know they are the self appointed engines of the world economic ,military etc. Nothing may or can happen without their say so the rest are just the cars of the gravy train they will take them were they deem it necessary to go they have the view they are leading. Or they will threaten to unhook them from the rich gravy train if they sqeel to much and trying to put on the breaks. The other country's will be very upset if the gravy train slows ,stops or derails because of them just because a small few cars of the train are having second thoughts nothing but trouble. Dont they know every one is trying to hook up even if they have no clue were it is going or if a another train is coming down the same line. Or the tracks end at a edge and over of a very deep chasm. Its OK the train knows were to go with not to much worry it just follows the tracks ,how laid them no one really knows or cares they heard rumors destination is utopia of their minds and imaginations.

Tom, I guess there are always two sides. Those who pay and those who get paid. US, France, UK, and Germany are those who pay, and of course, those who decide.

Mike, keep in mind that USA and Russia are not two more or less equal great powers. If they were equal in terms of power cutting a deal and running away would have been a reliable option. The truth and the matter is that USA is the sole superpower in the world and Russia is unsuccessfully strugling to keep its status as a great power. The heart of the issue with regard to the status of Kosovo lies in the commitment of USA to support freedom loving people, something totally different from Russian behaviour aimed to remain a key player at any cost. At the very end guess who is going to be humiliated ?! Russia! You bet it with your life!

Time is up.
Decision time. And it’s up to US, UK, France and Germany to decide. As for the rest; well, they reserve the right to follow humbly.
Good luck DARDANIA!

The clock has stopped. Not for Americans, Russians or Europeans, but for Kosovars and Serbs. The previous Serb regime killed, tortured, discriminated and otherwise treated the majority Albanian community in Kosovo terribly. Similar things happened to Serbs in some parts of Croatia during the Balkans war, so Serbs should understand better than most. Forced marriages do not work, so the Kosovo Albanians must be allowed to become independent. If Serbs agree, then there will be a basis for genuine friendship. If they dont, more will be the pity, as Serbs and Albanians will look elsewhere for allies and friends.

If the Albanians get independance for Kosovo i will tell some of these neighborhood drug dealers that they should move to Kosovo were they will have a free market. And when they enter Pristina it will say "Welcome to Pristina & Sell drugs all over Europe" great job America.

Condi NEVER had anything to call her own. She has been & will always be a puppet of bush.

Question for Condi & US - why was the UN formed? Only to be beneficial for you (the US)? Nice democracy you have in your country - you can keep it! Two words will prevail = international law!

Good riddens to bush & Condi!

Maybe she could make a difficult decision - by changing her mind!

Condi and Bush are trying to inflict as much damage as they can before they are booted out.

The know that the world is laughing at them so in hope to hold onto some respect they are willing to settle for Albanian respect.

Poor, poor Condi. She will go down in history as a symbol of a shameful era.

I love how she says "We need to hurry and make a decision." As if she is saying there's a plan A. Kosovo gets its independence, and a plan B. Is it continues to be a part of Serbia. I am pretty sure all sides of this argument have already made a decision. Its just when is the US going to try to TELL Serbia what is legal and illegal, and what are going to be the reprecations of them illegally saying Kosovo is going to be their puppet.

Hermon Qilleri, you said there are people that pay and people that get paid, and thats the way Albanians dn things. They didnt earn indep they are trying to pay for it. Gezim keep dreaming. Dardania, lol. Lima, you right maybe the Albanians in Kosovo need to do as the Serbs in Krijna, no choice but to leave.

A recurring argument among Serb posters here is that KosovA's independence is illegal. Why? Because Belgrade says so? The two international documents governing Kosovo's current and future status are the UN resolution 1244 and the Rambuillet Accords.

Independence is in full complience with resolution 1244 which says that the future status of KosovA will be decided by taking full acount of the Rambuillet accords which in turn state that KosovA's status will be decided by 'the will of the people'. The people of KosovA have spoken. They want independence and they are getting it.

Your arguments on illegality centres around the need for another UN resolution which is not possible because of Russian intrasigence. However, as resolution 1244 does not prohibit independence, another one is not necessary. Repeating the same thing would not make it stick.

I would like to comment on a photo as seen in you photo gallery.
Hi guy wake up. you don't need to go to Kososvo to see this type of rubbish. I'll take you to any number of filthy sites like this in Belgrade (Yes in Belgrade).


A scene of environmental
horror in Kosovo. The site is located between the Albanian village of Donje Stanovce and the Serb village of Prilužje (Beta)
Photo gallery

George,

I agree with your assessment of Russia. It is a fact that the US is still the only superpower. Sure it can not do everything alone but it can determine or influance the outcome of world events in collaboration with friends. Russia - with her 145 million mostly poor citizens and a GDP not very impressive (between the GDP of Holand and Italy) is just an important regional player. Many participants of this site would like to inflate the importance and strength of that country out of reason of religion or ethnicity. Thank God they are not in position of power. Otherwise they would try to please Russia so much that they would endanger our national security. "Please don't alienate dear Russia" is their slogan. They completely overlook the fact that Russia of Putin is not losing a sole occasion to hurt America's interests and belligerency against us became their state policy. They do everything possible to alianate us. They are driven by their childish inferiority complex. They can not swallow the fact that they are not a superpower anymore. They gained strength because of their oil, what by the way went lately from $100 to $89.
And yes I agree with you that at the end Russia will be humiliated just like France in 2003. The UN veto represents the grand power status for both countries. Well France was not able to use it and her real importance was demasked in front of the world. It will be the same thing with Russia. It is a shame that it is not possible to work with them on any important problem anymore since they decided to perpetuate their old role of constant opponent to the West.

Joe,

“…..US is still the only superpower…..

World is changing fast. Just few years ago it was for the moment so, not any more. US reached limits of power projection around the globe. It is dangerously overstretched, facing deep recession, and even bankruptcy if it continuous expenditure for military purposes on this level. It can’t last.

“…Russia…145 million…citizens…GDP not very impressive (between the GDP of Holand and Italy)…”

Hm, GDP has its limits, especially in cross-border comparisons. How is this compared? PPP? Do you really believe that Russian influence in the world is not bigger then Italian?

“…(Russia)… only regional player…”

Russia is largest country in the world, 17,075,400 square kilometers. It covers more than an eighth of the Earth’s land area. It extends across the whole of northern Asia and 40% of Europe, spanning 11 time zones. Russia has the world's largest mineral and energy resources, and is considered an energy superpower. It contains approximately one-quarter of the world's unfrozen fresh water and has the world's largest forest reserves.
Its rather naïve to think that such a country has small influence. Add all regions where Russia spreads and you see that it makes it global.

“…."Please don't alienate dear Russia" is their slogan. They completely overlook the fact that Russia of Putin is not losing a sole occasion to hurt America's interests and belligerency against us became their state policy…”

After the end of Cold War, US missed unique chance to become friends with Russia. Instead of that, it went in the crazy conquest of universe. US set in motion preliminary steps for conquest of Russia too, but unsurprisingly, Russians understood the plot and now are fighting back. It is a pure self defense. Russians read “The grand chessboard” and closely followed “Project for the new American century”. They saw how west treated Serbs, and they now very well that west would treat Russia in the same way if they just could. Is it strange they see where it is all heading and refuse to roll over?

“…They do everything possible to alienate us….”

They are protecting their interests, which US trampled all over on every possible occasion.

“…They gained strength because of their oil, what by the way went lately from $100 to $89..”

Small, temporary variation in price is not that important. Global trends over longer periods are what counts. Russians are set to earn huge profits in coming decennia. They can invest it in domestic development, and military, especially strategic nuclear forces, strong deterrent against any western global domination dreamer.

“…France… humiliated in 2003…”
France humiliated? No, US is humiliated! French were right about Iraq, I’m sure that many American politicians regret that they didn’t follow friendly advises of Jacques Chirac.

Joe wrote:
"I agree with your assessment of Russia. It is a fact that the US is still the only superpower. Sure it can not do everything alone but it can determine or influance the outcome of world events in collaboration with friends."

my dear albanian friend Joe,

are you sure you are living in the US of A and not in southern Mitrovica?

I mean, someone living in the US, would not write influence the way you did...

what´s so shameful to admit being an Albanian?

or do you still wanna sell us that you are of hungarian-american descent? =)

by the way: the "one and only global superpower" does not really act as being the "one and only global superpower"...

well, perhaps you will enlighten us with your explanations...

I am very earer to read them... ;)

i've long been a vocal supporter of kosovar independence and will not restate all of my reasons which after all are so self-evident to CIvilized people around the world. but the latest "democratic" election in serbia makes the call for immediate independence all the more urgent. it is sad enough that normal and decent people inside serbia have to suffer the fate of such politicians -- but it ain't happening in kosova. serbs in kosova have a choice -- work in a democratic way with their fellow kosovars, or lv to their beloved motherland. and for those who were so strogly supporting dear arkan, and now nikolic, exactly what kind of future are you planning for?

did someone here write that the days of milosevic are long in the past??

George, Your statement that USA is involved in Kosovo problem, because they supporting the freedom loving people, left me absolutelly flabbergasted. What planet do you live on? I don't think that even Albanians believe that. But, I suppose, you do...

The clock has stopped. Not for Americans, Russians or Europeans, but for Kosovars and Serbs. The previous Serb regime killed, tortured, discriminated and otherwise treated the majority Albanian community in Kosovo terribly. Similar things happened to Serbs in some parts of Croatia during the Balkans war, so Serbs should understand better than most. Forced marriages do not work, so the Kosovo Albanians must be allowed to become independent. If Serbs agree, then there will be a basis for genuine friendship. If they dont, more will be the pity, as Serbs and Albanians will look elsewhere for allies and friends.

Why Tom, did you expect Romania or Cyprus to run the show or what?

Mike, keep in mind that USA and Russia are not two more or less equal great powers. If they were equal in terms of power cutting a deal and running away would have been a reliable option. The truth and the matter is that USA is the sole superpower in the world and Russia is unsuccessfully strugling to keep its status as a great power. The heart of the issue with regard to the status of Kosovo lies in the commitment of USA to support freedom loving people, something totally different from Russian behaviour aimed to remain a key player at any cost. At the very end guess who is going to be humiliated ?! Russia! You bet it with your life!

Time is up.
Decision time. And it’s up to US, UK, France and Germany to decide. As for the rest; well, they reserve the right to follow humbly.
Good luck DARDANIA!

Tom, I guess there are always two sides. Those who pay and those who get paid. US, France, UK, and Germany are those who pay, and of course, those who decide.

i've long been a vocal supporter of kosovar independence and will not restate all of my reasons which after all are so self-evident to CIvilized people around the world. but the latest "democratic" election in serbia makes the call for immediate independence all the more urgent. it is sad enough that normal and decent people inside serbia have to suffer the fate of such politicians -- but it ain't happening in kosova. serbs in kosova have a choice -- work in a democratic way with their fellow kosovars, or lv to their beloved motherland. and for those who were so strogly supporting dear arkan, and now nikolic, exactly what kind of future are you planning for?

did someone here write that the days of milosevic are long in the past??

George,

I agree with your assessment of Russia. It is a fact that the US is still the only superpower. Sure it can not do everything alone but it can determine or influance the outcome of world events in collaboration with friends. Russia - with her 145 million mostly poor citizens and a GDP not very impressive (between the GDP of Holand and Italy) is just an important regional player. Many participants of this site would like to inflate the importance and strength of that country out of reason of religion or ethnicity. Thank God they are not in position of power. Otherwise they would try to please Russia so much that they would endanger our national security. "Please don't alienate dear Russia" is their slogan. They completely overlook the fact that Russia of Putin is not losing a sole occasion to hurt America's interests and belligerency against us became their state policy. They do everything possible to alianate us. They are driven by their childish inferiority complex. They can not swallow the fact that they are not a superpower anymore. They gained strength because of their oil, what by the way went lately from $100 to $89.
And yes I agree with you that at the end Russia will be humiliated just like France in 2003. The UN veto represents the grand power status for both countries. Well France was not able to use it and her real importance was demasked in front of the world. It will be the same thing with Russia. It is a shame that it is not possible to work with them on any important problem anymore since they decided to perpetuate their old role of constant opponent to the West.

"Rice was on her way to Berlin for a meeting with her German, French and British counterparts."

Why only those three? I thought the EU had 27 members.
Here we have the US and the "big shots" in the EU conspiring together to undermine international law and push forward an imperialist agenda.

The Lisbon Treaty must be defeated.

Tom why do you think only the four of them they will decide the time place and circumstances. Dont you know they are the self appointed engines of the world economic ,military etc. Nothing may or can happen without their say so the rest are just the cars of the gravy train they will take them were they deem it necessary to go they have the view they are leading. Or they will threaten to unhook them from the rich gravy train if they sqeel to much and trying to put on the breaks. The other country's will be very upset if the gravy train slows ,stops or derails because of them just because a small few cars of the train are having second thoughts nothing but trouble. Dont they know every one is trying to hook up even if they have no clue were it is going or if a another train is coming down the same line. Or the tracks end at a edge and over of a very deep chasm. Its OK the train knows were to go with not to much worry it just follows the tracks ,how laid them no one really knows or cares they heard rumors destination is utopia of their minds and imaginations.

A recurring argument among Serb posters here is that KosovA's independence is illegal. Why? Because Belgrade says so? The two international documents governing Kosovo's current and future status are the UN resolution 1244 and the Rambuillet Accords.

Independence is in full complience with resolution 1244 which says that the future status of KosovA will be decided by taking full acount of the Rambuillet accords which in turn state that KosovA's status will be decided by 'the will of the people'. The people of KosovA have spoken. They want independence and they are getting it.

Your arguments on illegality centres around the need for another UN resolution which is not possible because of Russian intrasigence. However, as resolution 1244 does not prohibit independence, another one is not necessary. Repeating the same thing would not make it stick.

Condi and Bush are trying to inflict as much damage as they can before they are booted out.

The know that the world is laughing at them so in hope to hold onto some respect they are willing to settle for Albanian respect.

Poor, poor Condi. She will go down in history as a symbol of a shameful era.

So according to Rice:

1. Kosovo's status needs to be solved immediately
2. The outcome will come as a result of making "difficult decisions"
3. Instability in the Balkans needs to be avoided

I don't think anyone will disagree with any of that. The problem has been how these three points are reached. This has been the sticking point all along.

Cut a deal with Russia and move forward. Two Great Powers should be able to come to an agreement over what is little more than a regional issue between them. Good relations with Moscow is critical to US strategic interests.

Who are Russia anyway? They are not important, they will back down infront of the one and only superpower...

Oh, I forgot that it isn't 99 anymore and the current Russian president is busy with real politics instead of selling his name to be branded on vodka bottles like the earlier one

Exactly so Tom O'Donoghue, the question is very crucial, why only those 3 countries? Is it possible that the rest of the EU members have no say on what those 3 countries so called the EU members decide? For the time being the EU is not unified over Kosovo and makes me wonder how do they think to implement their brutal attempts.

-The EU is divided and the UNSC is divided over Kosovo status, the resolution 1244 still in action and and the USA wants no delays. I mean, this is really amusing. Guess the world is turning into tragic-comedy. The EU is an utter USA's follower.

Poor Condi. She can not have her way with her illegal and immoral 'greater albania' plan and it is starting to sink in. She also lost her buddy, the number one anti-Serb in the administration, Nicholas Burns. The Russians have just told her once again in the firmest language possible that their actions are illegal and there is no bargaining on this.

Russia "will defend its position all the way". These words are very clear to anyone willing to listen! Even I underestimated the Russians when I stated "Russia will back Serbia but not get directly involved", it won't happen again! Underestimate Russia/Serbia at your own peril! Tom is correct; the Lisbon Treaty is the failed EU constitution in disguise, and the EU will/has become a German lead Empire. If this is true (figure it out for yourself) should Serbia become a part of it? If so, for what did you fight two world wars? Was it all in vain only to become part of a German Empire willingly? If you join (EU) make sure you are not signing away your independence and make sure you don't vote for someone who will.

The European PACE has stated teh opposite that Rice would like to hear;

"The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has confirmed the importance of a mutually acceptable solution regarding the Kosovo status.

PACE also called for further negotiations, consultations and other kinds of contacts concerning the future of the Kosovo territory in line with UN Security Council resolution 1244. This is necessary for reaching a compromise and preventing the Kosovo situation from turning into a hotspot or another frozen conflict. "
http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12282188&PageNum=0

- whats that it will become a "Frozen conflict" ! Has anyone told the ethnic Albanians that they are about create a situation worse then status quo ? Do they understand that that their illegal shenanigans will in reality be at worst create a "hotspot" or at best create a "frozen conflict" - and they expect this illegal declaration of Dependence to bring foreign investment ? I think they may have placed all their illegal eggs in one basket i.e they are banking on US and Western Europe for foreign investment but given the huge credit crunch affecting world markets it looks a poor choice at best!

Mrs.Rice is losing weight, politically, of course.

the words of Mr.Lavrov are quite good chosen, and I think there´s no room for speculations, he made it clear.
( just remember that "one-and-only-global-superpower"-nonsense need I say more? )

The fact that Rice sees fit to only conspire with those three is proof that either she doesn't respect anyone else of nobody would else would fall in line.

Either way, it sends a clear message to the rest of Europe where they stand with the US.

Maybe she only has three countries left which are still living in the past of the glorious British empire and think they can run the world, but that is not how it is today.

Funcakes, Hermon Qilleri,

Fortunately there still exists some democracy within the EU, so The Brits, Germans and French can decide what they like but it's the other 24 countries who will decide EU policy.
In fact this is what worries me about the Lisbon Treaty - the people who devised it think like you two do.

The countdown has already
started for the Bush mandra.
After seven years of upheavals and destructions
allover the world Bush is now trying to present himself
as the protector of freedom-
loving minorities.Hence the
Kosovo debacle. The irony is
that there are people on this
forum that pay significant
homage on the policies of the
US admninistration.Has any
Albanian questioned why
kosovars are Bush's chosen
people? Why should the US
administration risk cooling
relations with Russia over
kosovo?
There are more sinister
reasons in US policy which
has nothing to do with the
welfare of the albanians.It
seems to me that the US took
a leaf from British colonial
policy which was "divide and
rule".By breaking up countries they hope to create a new international
order which will be based on
the principle of masters and
serfs.

George, were it 1999 I might be inclined to agree with your assessment of unipolarity, but after reading your reply, your comment is more emotional fluff than rational thinking.

American unipolarity is dead and it can be seen everywhere. Economically the US and China are interdependent and in Europe, Russia supplies over 90% of Europe's oil and natural gas. Struggling power? Not anymore my friend. Politically in Europe, the US needs EU support for its policies and will not make a move on Kosovo unless it has the backing of Brussels. Militarily, the US can't even pacify a group of rag-tag insurgents in Iraq and has even pondered the humiliating option of cooperating with Iran. Your views of my country, while flattering and complimentary, are nevertheless faulty and out of date. Were America the sole superpower as you like to believe, Kosovo would be:

a) already independent
b) under the firm control of Washington and not a bunch of squabbling Eurocrats who will give you limited sovereignty at best
c) irrelevant to any and all Russian theats to veto or administratively block.

None of these scenarios have, or will, manifest.

So I will hold to my opinions that America needs to "cut a deal" and move on. Such an option does not diminish America's stature in the world, but augments it, as it shows Washington is mature enough to know when obstacles are in its way, and will work with, rather than compete with, those powers blocking said interests. What has America to gain from further alienating Russia? Russia may not be able to "harm" America in the classic sense, but it can certainly limit America's legitimate authority in the world.

And finally George, I really don't think "humiliation" is going to happen for either Washington or Moscow. I know you'd like nothing more than to see Russia humbled and defeated, but this is real life, not the comic books. States cut deals, negotiate, and bargain away smaller interests for bigger issues.

Plus, if you're going to bet anyone's life on the outcome, put yours up for bidding, not mine.

I love how she says "We need to hurry and make a decision." As if she is saying there's a plan A. Kosovo gets its independence, and a plan B. Is it continues to be a part of Serbia. I am pretty sure all sides of this argument have already made a decision. Its just when is the US going to try to TELL Serbia what is legal and illegal, and what are going to be the reprecations of them illegally saying Kosovo is going to be their puppet.

"The Lisbon Treaty must be defeated."

I second this. We're moving rapidly into the implementation of EUSSR:

http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/2773

I'm full of respect for Serbia resisting this and refusing to yield to intimidation. That's good for Europe at large.

The US, on the other hand, seems to be welcoming Kosovo's new drug overlords :(

Hermon Qilleri, you said there are people that pay and people that get paid, and thats the way Albanians dn things. They didnt earn indep they are trying to pay for it. Gezim keep dreaming. Dardania, lol. Lima, you right maybe the Albanians in Kosovo need to do as the Serbs in Krijna, no choice but to leave.

I would like to comment on a photo as seen in you photo gallery.
Hi guy wake up. you don't need to go to Kososvo to see this type of rubbish. I'll take you to any number of filthy sites like this in Belgrade (Yes in Belgrade).


A scene of environmental
horror in Kosovo. The site is located between the Albanian village of Donje Stanovce and the Serb village of Prilužje (Beta)
Photo gallery

If the Albanians get independance for Kosovo i will tell some of these neighborhood drug dealers that they should move to Kosovo were they will have a free market. And when they enter Pristina it will say "Welcome to Pristina & Sell drugs all over Europe" great job America.

Maybe she could make a difficult decision - by changing her mind!

Condi NEVER had anything to call her own. She has been & will always be a puppet of bush.

Question for Condi & US - why was the UN formed? Only to be beneficial for you (the US)? Nice democracy you have in your country - you can keep it! Two words will prevail = international law!

Good riddens to bush & Condi!

Joe,

“…..US is still the only superpower…..

World is changing fast. Just few years ago it was for the moment so, not any more. US reached limits of power projection around the globe. It is dangerously overstretched, facing deep recession, and even bankruptcy if it continuous expenditure for military purposes on this level. It can’t last.

“…Russia…145 million…citizens…GDP not very impressive (between the GDP of Holand and Italy)…”

Hm, GDP has its limits, especially in cross-border comparisons. How is this compared? PPP? Do you really believe that Russian influence in the world is not bigger then Italian?

“…(Russia)… only regional player…”

Russia is largest country in the world, 17,075,400 square kilometers. It covers more than an eighth of the Earth’s land area. It extends across the whole of northern Asia and 40% of Europe, spanning 11 time zones. Russia has the world's largest mineral and energy resources, and is considered an energy superpower. It contains approximately one-quarter of the world's unfrozen fresh water and has the world's largest forest reserves.
Its rather naïve to think that such a country has small influence. Add all regions where Russia spreads and you see that it makes it global.

“…."Please don't alienate dear Russia" is their slogan. They completely overlook the fact that Russia of Putin is not losing a sole occasion to hurt America's interests and belligerency against us became their state policy…”

After the end of Cold War, US missed unique chance to become friends with Russia. Instead of that, it went in the crazy conquest of universe. US set in motion preliminary steps for conquest of Russia too, but unsurprisingly, Russians understood the plot and now are fighting back. It is a pure self defense. Russians read “The grand chessboard” and closely followed “Project for the new American century”. They saw how west treated Serbs, and they now very well that west would treat Russia in the same way if they just could. Is it strange they see where it is all heading and refuse to roll over?

“…They do everything possible to alienate us….”

They are protecting their interests, which US trampled all over on every possible occasion.

“…They gained strength because of their oil, what by the way went lately from $100 to $89..”

Small, temporary variation in price is not that important. Global trends over longer periods are what counts. Russians are set to earn huge profits in coming decennia. They can invest it in domestic development, and military, especially strategic nuclear forces, strong deterrent against any western global domination dreamer.

“…France… humiliated in 2003…”
France humiliated? No, US is humiliated! French were right about Iraq, I’m sure that many American politicians regret that they didn’t follow friendly advises of Jacques Chirac.

Joe wrote:
"I agree with your assessment of Russia. It is a fact that the US is still the only superpower. Sure it can not do everything alone but it can determine or influance the outcome of world events in collaboration with friends."

my dear albanian friend Joe,

are you sure you are living in the US of A and not in southern Mitrovica?

I mean, someone living in the US, would not write influence the way you did...

what´s so shameful to admit being an Albanian?

or do you still wanna sell us that you are of hungarian-american descent? =)

by the way: the "one and only global superpower" does not really act as being the "one and only global superpower"...

well, perhaps you will enlighten us with your explanations...

I am very earer to read them... ;)

George, Your statement that USA is involved in Kosovo problem, because they supporting the freedom loving people, left me absolutelly flabbergasted. What planet do you live on? I don't think that even Albanians believe that. But, I suppose, you do...