No incidents in north, 8 dead elsewhere

It sounds like reporting from hell...how many weapons these people have at home?
Obviously K-Albanians don't have much to do.
But they can always go wild and indulge in bestiality for the fun of terrorizing the Serbs.

Veki, do you really think Albanians do everything just to terrorize Serbs? Why do you get those terrible ideas? Come on, think straight! If you have a gun, you will use it during the New Years Eve, but you wont use it to terrorize anyone, but only for fun (I know guns are not for fun, but on nights like that they sometimes are used for fun). And I'm sure that most of those shoots (that Snežana describes them as gun and mortar explosions) were all pyrotechnic devices (ie: petarda).

I'm glad no Serb has been injured last night, cz I can imagine what the comments from the Serbian camp would have been!

My condolences for the families of the victims, they were all young, from 20-28 years old!

So guys, before jumping into conclusions, unimaginable conclusions that can come only from sick minds, try commenting the article, cz there is a more important news on this article (about those 8 people dead) than the accusation Veki did towards Albanians!

Greets and Happy New Year to all of you from Prishtina!

First, Happy New Year to everyone!

As for the shootings, I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who lives in Banjica, a neighborhood in southern Belgrade. She tells me there's always an excuse to shoot firweworks and gun shots in the air - Christmas, New Year, Orthodox New Year, Slava, Easter, you name it. Gun fires for celebrations are not particular to Albanians at all. In fact, I know a good number of Serbs whose celebrations would give what was reported in Pristina, a run for its money :)

Let's leave politics out for today, and just be happy for the New Year.

oh really...and who knife-stabbed that boy in the back just 2 days ago if Albanians are not terrorizing the Serbs?
I see that some of the Albanian posts here sound like they have potentionaly good intentions
but as long as people are routinly stabbed in the back out of national hatred I would say you should try harder than this to justify Albanian agressive behavior.Cause YOU are living in a denial
of K-Albanian terror over non-Albaninas in Kosovo.

viki please. everywhere in the world were shooting. but they don't have to be so chickens no one went to their homes and try to kill. By the way it was the 1st year to celebrat on independent country what did u accept.

New Year's Eve in Belgrade: Thousands attend an open air music concert. A night of fun and enjoyment.
New Year's Eve in Pristina: "an unprecedented barrage of gunfire". A night of fear and intimidation.

Just about says it all.

Snezana’s story is utter propaganda trash, pure and simple.

If she was brave enough to be the first Serb to return to Pristina, how can she be frightened by something that occurs in every Balkan city? It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. For example, at my sister in law’s wedding we were supposed to go out and throw hand grenades even (didn’t happen cause of rain), we were shooting guns all day every where we went even in the restaurant parking lot. It was one of those traditional Serbian weddings where they shoot the apple off the roof of the bride’s house, very cool.

Look, I’m Serb, I strongly oppose the UDI, but stories like this just make it look like we’re whining about nothing. We need to focus on the real oppression going on (There’s plenty of that already), not making stuff up. Makes me think any information coming from this individual is complete rubbish.

At least in Prishtina they don't storm into embassies.

TOM O'DONOGHUE, it is sad that you are completely biased and read only one side of the story. There was a live concert in Prishtina also, just like in Belgrade, and serbs shot guns in Serbia just like albanians did in Kosova. So read both sides, not one side only because then you will fall a victim of propaganda.
At least the kosovars did not go on rampage and arrest serbs just few days before new year like serbs did in Presheva where they arrested 10 innocent people and terrorized the whole albanian community living in the Presheva valley.
Thanks

I was in Prishtina for the New Year's and there were firecrackers and fireworks all across - just as in any spot in the planet.

Somehow, Kosovo Albanian celebrations have a 'terror' flavor attached to it. That's ridiculous. This is a story of a single Prishtina resident being taken to project a sense of 'reality' is couldnt be farther from the truth.

Actually, statisticians call this 'selection bias.' Get a population sample that can back up your claims - and there you have 'right conclusions.'

The only thing is that whoever reads this piece will be severally misled.

So we the albanians are not allowed to shoot for new year's celebration? Come on VEKI, stop living in the world of denial. Prior to 1999, serbs were shooting all over Kosova, but now things have changed and now serbs can shoot in Serbia and albanians in Kosova as we are two different countries.
Also, it was the first year of independence so therefore shooting was a sign of enjoyment, a sign of freedom in the newest independent country in the world

Serbs shot aswell, but in Serbia though, not in Kosova.

People, at least on this day stay away from politics. Guns at home are considered in EU not a good thing, but if you want to use them on New Year Eve, at least only experts should use with maximal safety and only with empty rounds. It's not a child toy. As for myself, I never owned a gun, cannot use any - and hope never will be forced to.

For shooting... (ex)YU is really nothing. ;)

One has to be in Taipei or Hanoi or Hong Kong to see the "real thing". And January 26 is the real date ("Lunar New Year"). Even in San Fran it's pretty loud, but in China/Taiwan or VietNam it's unbelievable. There are a lot of fire accidents, too.

There are many deadly accidents in Hungary as well - mostly due drunk people trying to drive on the New Year Eve. Probably same in Serbia/Kosovo. Very sad. Taxi is cheaper than the funeral.

While I cannot say, I always 100% obey the traffic and I am a lousy driver, but with alcohol I am strictly abstinent while driving. Zero - point- zero is the best, regardless what is allowed or tolerated by local police.

My wife if she is in the car is the "worst" police anyway.

Politics or not, had seen much MUP, KP and Croatians on the road. Was in RS, same with Bosnians. They use the same tactics with hiding and...

Hungarians are not as numerous, but if yes, they may stop everyone for taking a deep breath in the tube.

This is pretty typical stuff on new year's. We shot off some mortar like fireworks last night also. All just fun.

It might be time for this lady to consider moving somewhere else.

This is good news then. If New Year's celebration gun shots were Ms. Borzanović worst experience so far in Pristina, it would be fair to say that so far she must have enjoyed her stay. Well, I'm glad for that.

My first encounter with News years in the Balkans was 3 years ago. Coming from a country where non-commercial fireworks are banned in the city it was kind of hair raising. I thought last night in Pristina was mild next to the 1st year.
However, I find it hard to believe this was particuarly upsetting for someone from the region.

Come on, guys and gals. this article could have been dubbed: "How, in the midst of relative peace and good feeling, we found a way to spin it negative." and i am no gun supporter, believe me. but new years usually calls for loud and boisterous celebrations, and viewing them around the world as we did on cnn last night reminded me that despite all of the numerous political divisions, ethnic separations etc, we have much more in common then we generally realize or admit to. and yes, it is a very beautiful thing.

i would like to add my wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year. we have such a long way to go, we troubled humanoids, but sometimes i see moments of joy and a communal life force that spans the world...

roberto
By a bay on Planet Earth

Veki said: "oh really...and who knife-stabbed that boy in the back just 2 days ago if Albanians are not terrorizing the Serbs?"

Veki, since when you started to work in the investigation field? Who told you they were Albanians? And if they were, don't you think they might have had any issues with each-other? Stabbing doesn't just happen, it happens for a reason, and whoever did that, he (they) might have had good reasons and I hope they will be sentenced about the crime they committed!

P.S. Ataman, I didn't quite get you!

Matthew, Put a sock in it.

Have you ever heard of Post Traumatic Syndrome?
Probably not.

Everyone reacts to gun fire differently, especially people who went through some very traumatic experiences.
Nobody asked what this woman went through but is quick to dismiss her as a liar.

She was brave enough to return to her home. Something which many,many Serbs haven't been able to do, but that doesn' mean she is careless and stupid. She knew that under the cover of gunfire already happening, anyone could've entered her house and done her harm.
Anyone sensible would have cause to worry, especially in Kosovo.

So all you gun firing, peaceful Albanians who are mocking her, just give it a rest. If you were in her situation you would be just as worried. She is surrounded by people she cannot trust and for good reason.

"At least the kosovars did not go on rampage and arrest serbs just few days before new year like serbs did in Presheva where they arrested 10 innocent people and terrorized the whole albanian community living in the Presheva valley.
Thanks
(afrim Hoxha,"

So who can ever argue with the person like this? And the Serb boy was not knife stubbed by the Albanians?That doesn't count? No comment on that?

Hopeless...and don't 'thank' us please...and Kosovo is a part of Serbia. Thanks.

New Year's Eve in Belgrade: Thousands attend an open air music concert. A night of fun and enjoyment.
New Year's Eve in Pristina: "an unprecedented barrage of gunfire". A night of fear and intimidation.

Just about says it all.
(Tom O'Donoghue, 1 January 2009 21:37)

Could not have put it any better Tom!

All the best to you all.

Srecna Nova Godina svima.

Aith-bhliain Fe Nhaise Dhuit

Greets and Happy New Year to all of you from Prishtina!
(AO KS, 1 January 2009 17:22)

Gëzuar "ka" vitin e ri 2009 from Belgrade/Budapest.

(hope, "ka" means "ox")

But it's for the rest of the world, for Chinese/Viet/Japanese/Koreans not until January 26.

To peggy:
Do you really think that albanians have not post traumatic troubles?
well at least Madame can now understand how we albanians felt during the 10 years of oppression!
But really, did she expect that nobody will celebrate in Prishtina our first new year party as an independent state?

I'ts not the foult of K-Serbs or K- Albanians. It is the foult of sick nationalistic heads in Belgrade who blows to the fire betwen two comunities in Mitrovisa. This comunities have been living together in peace all the time before Milosevic. Apparently so many years later we can't say this time is over. For some people K-albanians are criminals, western powers are criminals, everything which is non serbian is criminal.

For god sake, if simple (innocent) peoples gets cutt or shot in the streets, this is only the consequense, the cause is elsewhere. With this I don't want to discharge the involved people in fights but I must repeat, the cause is elsewhere.

“Matthew, Put a sock in it. Have you ever heard of Post Traumatic Syndrome? Probably not. (Peggy, 2 January 2009 05:11)”

You mean like having nightmares, crying out in your sleep because you lived through Operation Storm and were exposed to sniper fire on a daily basis on one side of your house. My wife is from the frontline in the war with Croatia, she’s from the Krajina, she was only 16 when Operation Storm happened. So yeah, I think I know a thing or two about how terrible life can be at times in the Balkans and what the survivors go through on a daily basis. I didn’t live through it, but I’ve seen the aftermath. You been to Krajina? It’s a very scary, very lonely place.

It seems to me you haven’t ever even stepped foot in the Balkans if you seriously think the celebrations in Pristina were extreme or unique. I was exposed to tear gas on two completely separate occasions while in Serbia during different riots. I saw downtown Belgrade vandalized and torn apart simply because Serbia won a basketball championship, while my neighbor celebrated in his own depraved way by shooting random stray dogs. No one even called the cops on him.

I somehow highly doubt someone suffering such serious PTSD as you describe would be functional enough to be the first to return to Pristina. Why would someone suffering so much choose to subject themselves to a Balkan style New Years celebration?

No, it just doesn’t add up or make any sense.

Crying “wolf” only makes it harder for the Serbs who really are suffering and truly are oppressed. That makes me angry, very angry. Its people like that who might very well end up losing Kosovo for us. That should make you very angry too.

I think you should put more consideration into the message we Serbs choose to portray or to support. Fight your battles wisely and avoid knee jerk reactions.

To peggy:
Do you really think that albanians have not post traumatic troubles?
well at least Madame can now understand how we albanians felt during the 10 years of oppression!
But really, did she expect that nobody will celebrate in Prishtina our first new year party as an independent state?
(lili, 2 January 2009 18:31)


I'm sure she expected people to celebrate but sometimes one just cannot control the fear which is already inside that person.

Do you Albanians have to make everything tit for tat? "Now madam can understand how we Albanians felt" is so low. You Albanians have had the run of Kosovo for the last 10 years with the help of NATO. Don't start with you rubbish with me. You were so scared when in 2004 you attacked the Serbs and burned down all the churches and Monasteries. Oh yes, that was fear alright.
That was hate not fear.

Sure some Albanians would have post traumatic syndrome as well, but my dear, they are surrounded by their own, while the Serbs are surrounded by enemy. THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.

@16Matthew, I am giving this woman the benefit of a doubt while you are calling her a liar. Is this the way you support your own?

Do you know this woman personally and know for sure she is lying? You just dismiss all this out of hand.
She did not choose to participate in the festivities. She was at home but you overlook that little detail.

I didn't say that people shouldn't celebrate for new year or how, all I said was that she could've been scared and not faking it. Why is this so hard for you to understand? I have seen refugees here in Australia who still have a lot of fear in them and sleep with their children in the same bed even though they are teenagers.
They are perfectly safe here but still they don't sleep well at night. This is not a knee jerk reaction from me. I have seen how people coming from that are react years after they have left the area.

This woman was brave to come back but that doesn't mean she will not have residual trauma. She probably never consulted a therapist for this. Don't be so hard on her. Give her the benefit of doubt before you classify her as a liar. That's why I lashed out at you. You deserved it because you just think that she should be well just because she had the guts to return. Having the guts to return is only the first step in healing.

I would expect you to support your own and let the Albanians crucify Serbs. They are very good at it.

viki please. everywhere in the world were shooting. but they don't have to be so chickens no one went to their homes and try to kill. By the way it was the 1st year to celebrat on independent country what did u accept.

It sounds like reporting from hell...how many weapons these people have at home?
Obviously K-Albanians don't have much to do.
But they can always go wild and indulge in bestiality for the fun of terrorizing the Serbs.

So we the albanians are not allowed to shoot for new year's celebration? Come on VEKI, stop living in the world of denial. Prior to 1999, serbs were shooting all over Kosova, but now things have changed and now serbs can shoot in Serbia and albanians in Kosova as we are two different countries.
Also, it was the first year of independence so therefore shooting was a sign of enjoyment, a sign of freedom in the newest independent country in the world

Serbs shot aswell, but in Serbia though, not in Kosova.

Veki, do you really think Albanians do everything just to terrorize Serbs? Why do you get those terrible ideas? Come on, think straight! If you have a gun, you will use it during the New Years Eve, but you wont use it to terrorize anyone, but only for fun (I know guns are not for fun, but on nights like that they sometimes are used for fun). And I'm sure that most of those shoots (that Snežana describes them as gun and mortar explosions) were all pyrotechnic devices (ie: petarda).

I'm glad no Serb has been injured last night, cz I can imagine what the comments from the Serbian camp would have been!

My condolences for the families of the victims, they were all young, from 20-28 years old!

So guys, before jumping into conclusions, unimaginable conclusions that can come only from sick minds, try commenting the article, cz there is a more important news on this article (about those 8 people dead) than the accusation Veki did towards Albanians!

Greets and Happy New Year to all of you from Prishtina!

New Year's Eve in Belgrade: Thousands attend an open air music concert. A night of fun and enjoyment.
New Year's Eve in Pristina: "an unprecedented barrage of gunfire". A night of fear and intimidation.

Just about says it all.

I was in Prishtina for the New Year's and there were firecrackers and fireworks all across - just as in any spot in the planet.

Somehow, Kosovo Albanian celebrations have a 'terror' flavor attached to it. That's ridiculous. This is a story of a single Prishtina resident being taken to project a sense of 'reality' is couldnt be farther from the truth.

Actually, statisticians call this 'selection bias.' Get a population sample that can back up your claims - and there you have 'right conclusions.'

The only thing is that whoever reads this piece will be severally misled.

Matthew, Put a sock in it.

Have you ever heard of Post Traumatic Syndrome?
Probably not.

Everyone reacts to gun fire differently, especially people who went through some very traumatic experiences.
Nobody asked what this woman went through but is quick to dismiss her as a liar.

She was brave enough to return to her home. Something which many,many Serbs haven't been able to do, but that doesn' mean she is careless and stupid. She knew that under the cover of gunfire already happening, anyone could've entered her house and done her harm.
Anyone sensible would have cause to worry, especially in Kosovo.

So all you gun firing, peaceful Albanians who are mocking her, just give it a rest. If you were in her situation you would be just as worried. She is surrounded by people she cannot trust and for good reason.

oh really...and who knife-stabbed that boy in the back just 2 days ago if Albanians are not terrorizing the Serbs?
I see that some of the Albanian posts here sound like they have potentionaly good intentions
but as long as people are routinly stabbed in the back out of national hatred I would say you should try harder than this to justify Albanian agressive behavior.Cause YOU are living in a denial
of K-Albanian terror over non-Albaninas in Kosovo.

New Year's Eve in Belgrade: Thousands attend an open air music concert. A night of fun and enjoyment.
New Year's Eve in Pristina: "an unprecedented barrage of gunfire". A night of fear and intimidation.

Just about says it all.
(Tom O'Donoghue, 1 January 2009 21:37)

Could not have put it any better Tom!

All the best to you all.

Srecna Nova Godina svima.

Aith-bhliain Fe Nhaise Dhuit

"At least the kosovars did not go on rampage and arrest serbs just few days before new year like serbs did in Presheva where they arrested 10 innocent people and terrorized the whole albanian community living in the Presheva valley.
Thanks
(afrim Hoxha,"

So who can ever argue with the person like this? And the Serb boy was not knife stubbed by the Albanians?That doesn't count? No comment on that?

Hopeless...and don't 'thank' us please...and Kosovo is a part of Serbia. Thanks.

This is pretty typical stuff on new year's. We shot off some mortar like fireworks last night also. All just fun.

It might be time for this lady to consider moving somewhere else.

TOM O'DONOGHUE, it is sad that you are completely biased and read only one side of the story. There was a live concert in Prishtina also, just like in Belgrade, and serbs shot guns in Serbia just like albanians did in Kosova. So read both sides, not one side only because then you will fall a victim of propaganda.
At least the kosovars did not go on rampage and arrest serbs just few days before new year like serbs did in Presheva where they arrested 10 innocent people and terrorized the whole albanian community living in the Presheva valley.
Thanks

Veki said: "oh really...and who knife-stabbed that boy in the back just 2 days ago if Albanians are not terrorizing the Serbs?"

Veki, since when you started to work in the investigation field? Who told you they were Albanians? And if they were, don't you think they might have had any issues with each-other? Stabbing doesn't just happen, it happens for a reason, and whoever did that, he (they) might have had good reasons and I hope they will be sentenced about the crime they committed!

P.S. Ataman, I didn't quite get you!

My first encounter with News years in the Balkans was 3 years ago. Coming from a country where non-commercial fireworks are banned in the city it was kind of hair raising. I thought last night in Pristina was mild next to the 1st year.
However, I find it hard to believe this was particuarly upsetting for someone from the region.

At least in Prishtina they don't storm into embassies.

To peggy:
Do you really think that albanians have not post traumatic troubles?
well at least Madame can now understand how we albanians felt during the 10 years of oppression!
But really, did she expect that nobody will celebrate in Prishtina our first new year party as an independent state?

Come on, guys and gals. this article could have been dubbed: "How, in the midst of relative peace and good feeling, we found a way to spin it negative." and i am no gun supporter, believe me. but new years usually calls for loud and boisterous celebrations, and viewing them around the world as we did on cnn last night reminded me that despite all of the numerous political divisions, ethnic separations etc, we have much more in common then we generally realize or admit to. and yes, it is a very beautiful thing.

i would like to add my wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year. we have such a long way to go, we troubled humanoids, but sometimes i see moments of joy and a communal life force that spans the world...

roberto
By a bay on Planet Earth

Snezana’s story is utter propaganda trash, pure and simple.

If she was brave enough to be the first Serb to return to Pristina, how can she be frightened by something that occurs in every Balkan city? It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. For example, at my sister in law’s wedding we were supposed to go out and throw hand grenades even (didn’t happen cause of rain), we were shooting guns all day every where we went even in the restaurant parking lot. It was one of those traditional Serbian weddings where they shoot the apple off the roof of the bride’s house, very cool.

Look, I’m Serb, I strongly oppose the UDI, but stories like this just make it look like we’re whining about nothing. We need to focus on the real oppression going on (There’s plenty of that already), not making stuff up. Makes me think any information coming from this individual is complete rubbish.

This is good news then. If New Year's celebration gun shots were Ms. Borzanović worst experience so far in Pristina, it would be fair to say that so far she must have enjoyed her stay. Well, I'm glad for that.

First, Happy New Year to everyone!

As for the shootings, I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who lives in Banjica, a neighborhood in southern Belgrade. She tells me there's always an excuse to shoot firweworks and gun shots in the air - Christmas, New Year, Orthodox New Year, Slava, Easter, you name it. Gun fires for celebrations are not particular to Albanians at all. In fact, I know a good number of Serbs whose celebrations would give what was reported in Pristina, a run for its money :)

Let's leave politics out for today, and just be happy for the New Year.

Greets and Happy New Year to all of you from Prishtina!
(AO KS, 1 January 2009 17:22)

Gëzuar "ka" vitin e ri 2009 from Belgrade/Budapest.

(hope, "ka" means "ox")

But it's for the rest of the world, for Chinese/Viet/Japanese/Koreans not until January 26.

People, at least on this day stay away from politics. Guns at home are considered in EU not a good thing, but if you want to use them on New Year Eve, at least only experts should use with maximal safety and only with empty rounds. It's not a child toy. As for myself, I never owned a gun, cannot use any - and hope never will be forced to.

For shooting... (ex)YU is really nothing. ;)

One has to be in Taipei or Hanoi or Hong Kong to see the "real thing". And January 26 is the real date ("Lunar New Year"). Even in San Fran it's pretty loud, but in China/Taiwan or VietNam it's unbelievable. There are a lot of fire accidents, too.

There are many deadly accidents in Hungary as well - mostly due drunk people trying to drive on the New Year Eve. Probably same in Serbia/Kosovo. Very sad. Taxi is cheaper than the funeral.

While I cannot say, I always 100% obey the traffic and I am a lousy driver, but with alcohol I am strictly abstinent while driving. Zero - point- zero is the best, regardless what is allowed or tolerated by local police.

My wife if she is in the car is the "worst" police anyway.

Politics or not, had seen much MUP, KP and Croatians on the road. Was in RS, same with Bosnians. They use the same tactics with hiding and...

Hungarians are not as numerous, but if yes, they may stop everyone for taking a deep breath in the tube.

I'ts not the foult of K-Serbs or K- Albanians. It is the foult of sick nationalistic heads in Belgrade who blows to the fire betwen two comunities in Mitrovisa. This comunities have been living together in peace all the time before Milosevic. Apparently so many years later we can't say this time is over. For some people K-albanians are criminals, western powers are criminals, everything which is non serbian is criminal.

For god sake, if simple (innocent) peoples gets cutt or shot in the streets, this is only the consequense, the cause is elsewhere. With this I don't want to discharge the involved people in fights but I must repeat, the cause is elsewhere.

To peggy:
Do you really think that albanians have not post traumatic troubles?
well at least Madame can now understand how we albanians felt during the 10 years of oppression!
But really, did she expect that nobody will celebrate in Prishtina our first new year party as an independent state?
(lili, 2 January 2009 18:31)


I'm sure she expected people to celebrate but sometimes one just cannot control the fear which is already inside that person.

Do you Albanians have to make everything tit for tat? "Now madam can understand how we Albanians felt" is so low. You Albanians have had the run of Kosovo for the last 10 years with the help of NATO. Don't start with you rubbish with me. You were so scared when in 2004 you attacked the Serbs and burned down all the churches and Monasteries. Oh yes, that was fear alright.
That was hate not fear.

Sure some Albanians would have post traumatic syndrome as well, but my dear, they are surrounded by their own, while the Serbs are surrounded by enemy. THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.

@16Matthew, I am giving this woman the benefit of a doubt while you are calling her a liar. Is this the way you support your own?

Do you know this woman personally and know for sure she is lying? You just dismiss all this out of hand.
She did not choose to participate in the festivities. She was at home but you overlook that little detail.

I didn't say that people shouldn't celebrate for new year or how, all I said was that she could've been scared and not faking it. Why is this so hard for you to understand? I have seen refugees here in Australia who still have a lot of fear in them and sleep with their children in the same bed even though they are teenagers.
They are perfectly safe here but still they don't sleep well at night. This is not a knee jerk reaction from me. I have seen how people coming from that are react years after they have left the area.

This woman was brave to come back but that doesn't mean she will not have residual trauma. She probably never consulted a therapist for this. Don't be so hard on her. Give her the benefit of doubt before you classify her as a liar. That's why I lashed out at you. You deserved it because you just think that she should be well just because she had the guts to return. Having the guts to return is only the first step in healing.

I would expect you to support your own and let the Albanians crucify Serbs. They are very good at it.

“Matthew, Put a sock in it. Have you ever heard of Post Traumatic Syndrome? Probably not. (Peggy, 2 January 2009 05:11)”

You mean like having nightmares, crying out in your sleep because you lived through Operation Storm and were exposed to sniper fire on a daily basis on one side of your house. My wife is from the frontline in the war with Croatia, she’s from the Krajina, she was only 16 when Operation Storm happened. So yeah, I think I know a thing or two about how terrible life can be at times in the Balkans and what the survivors go through on a daily basis. I didn’t live through it, but I’ve seen the aftermath. You been to Krajina? It’s a very scary, very lonely place.

It seems to me you haven’t ever even stepped foot in the Balkans if you seriously think the celebrations in Pristina were extreme or unique. I was exposed to tear gas on two completely separate occasions while in Serbia during different riots. I saw downtown Belgrade vandalized and torn apart simply because Serbia won a basketball championship, while my neighbor celebrated in his own depraved way by shooting random stray dogs. No one even called the cops on him.

I somehow highly doubt someone suffering such serious PTSD as you describe would be functional enough to be the first to return to Pristina. Why would someone suffering so much choose to subject themselves to a Balkan style New Years celebration?

No, it just doesn’t add up or make any sense.

Crying “wolf” only makes it harder for the Serbs who really are suffering and truly are oppressed. That makes me angry, very angry. Its people like that who might very well end up losing Kosovo for us. That should make you very angry too.

I think you should put more consideration into the message we Serbs choose to portray or to support. Fight your battles wisely and avoid knee jerk reactions.