15

Wednesday, 11.02.2009.

13:15

"U.S. may change its approach to Balkans"

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama’s administration may take a different stance on the Balkans, but it will take time, says an expert from the Woodrow Wilson Center.

Izvor: Tanjug

"U.S. may change its approach to Balkans" IMAGE SOURCE
IMAGE DESCRIPTION

15 Komentari

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tim

pre 15 godina

Now there is uncertainty on the ground, eh? Hey Feith! Hey K albs! Everybody wants certainty, so as your imaginary independence is just that, take comfort in the certainty that Kosovo is Serbia.

Jovan

pre 15 godina

the US will very likely change their approach, BUT that won´t happen in the Obama-era.

changes like the one mentioned will take more time.

but the probability is growing, and Serbia has time on her side.

so, let´s just see what future brings.

Rote Kapelle

pre 15 godina

“ … certain nuances of Clinton’s policy, in a positive sense,”
- I wonder what positive sense can be found in Clinton’s policy on the Balkanes ! Which of the problem did he solve ? He has just installed mines to blow up now and then. They were successful only in freezing old conflicts and creating new ones. They need to be needed so they split peoples and come as if to make them friends.

- I sometimes think of how many good things peoples of the Balkanes could have done instead of useless and devastating confrontation ! And it all started during Clinton’s 8 years.

Milan

pre 15 godina

"Vlad",

I am not sure about your comments that the US will cease to exist or that it will go bankrupt (it will loose a lot of global influence and may resort to some kind of isolation again like as before WWI). However, your prediction of violence along the US-Mexican border (although not a war scale) has actually already become reality.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090209/ap_on_re_us/border_spillover_violence

Elements in the Mexican drugs maffia have many similarities with the Kosovo maffia/KLA. Like the rest of Europe to the Albanian drugs maffia the US is a huge market for the Mexican drugs maffia that they will not give up easily. In a worst case scenario innocent civilians will get killed, but real it will hit the fan if US law enforcement officers (local or border patrol) will be targeted by these criminals (they will try to avoid that as much as possible, but a trapped animal behaves unpredictable). Then the US will have its own sort of Kosovo (but at a larger scale of course). The funny thing is that the Mexican drugs maffia is actually buying their guns in the US (so unlike the Albanians in Kosovo they are not sponsored by the foreign countries, but by the host country). Interesting times we are living in.

Vlad The Impaler

pre 15 godina

What president Obama and the white house say wont matter in about 10 years; USA may cease to exist. America will most likely go bankrupt...defaulting on its debt. Civil war may break out along the border with Mexico between Spanish speakers and English speakers...much like Kosovo. All Serbia has to do is be patient, re-arm, and amass wealth. When the USA collapses...you know the EU will be next.

Mike

pre 15 godina

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Only after it's been tamed and housebroken. You should know that any state that's "key" to a region has to come under the US sphere of influence: Germany was "key" to Central Europe as early as 1914. Iraq was "key" to the Middle East. Serbia is "key" to Southeastern Europe. And as such, all must fall within the influence of the global hegemon - either by diplomacy or barring that, by force. If Serbia wasn't key, we wouldn't really care about it. But Brussels is eager to see it within the EU, and the US even after it's little episode in international emminent domain, is eager to cultivate a partnership with Serbia.

It's strategic, mind you. It has little to do with personal politics. But Belgrade has the potential, more than any other city in the region, of being the Berlin of Southeast Europe. And if Washington does not capitalize on the presence of a pro-Western government now, the national populists may sweep to power in the next election.

Koserbo

pre 15 godina

Now that the West is 110% convinced that President Tadic and "(T)his generation of Serbs will never recognize Kosovo"---to partially qoute my Albanian brothers with their and Taci's favorite words in the English language: Partition "is a done deal."

Mike

pre 15 godina

"This was not the case with Kosovo, he said, where a different policy was practiced, resulting in, among other things, the current uncertainty in that region."

So Daytonize the damn thing already and get on with it. This isn't rocket science.

JC, USA

pre 15 godina

"the U.S. practiced an objective policy toward all sides"....yeah, right.

@ Olf:

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Not necessarily -- the U.S. needed an enemy to justify the illegal NATO war, and Serbia was subsequently demonized.

"Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police."

Oh really? From all the Serbian air strikes? How about the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals and bridges by NATO and killing of civilians?? Has NATO paid for this damage?? Has any Western leader stood trial for these crimes?? Last I checked Russia was clearing Serbian soil of unexploded cluster bombs.

Give me a break.

Olf

pre 15 godina

ZK UK

Serbia key to Balkan’s? Not really. If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it. Looks around Serbia and you will find out that Serbia’s neighbours have progressed in EU and are far better then Serbia.
This line ”Serbia key to Balkans” came out of Serbian politicians dictionary and this is what they are telling people of Serbia, wise people know the truth.

Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police. This will come at later stage since no crimes have ever gone unpunished.

ZK

pre 15 godina

It's called the Kosovo precedent logic. If Kosovo didn't illegally declare independence then you can be sure the problems in Georgia would not have occured.

As for the Dinar, you are a little out of date. It's not that the dinar declined but rather that the Euro strengthened. I live in Belgrade and I regularly exchange GBP for EUR and RSD and I am glad to inform you that the EUR is the one beginning to decline now while the GBP and RSD (Dinar) are finally strengthening.

MS

pre 15 godina

Whilst I welcome US positive attitude towards Serbia and X-Yugoslavia I still remain scaptic. Clinton administration that prides itself on foreign policy for bringing peace in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Wonder how many American knew of Yugoslavia let alone Bosnia and Hercegovina. I recall American policy towards Bosnia biased in my openion against the Serbs. Press was full of habe for Serbs even when they were not sure what was happening on the ground. But it was good publicity! And for whom.

In split up of X-Yugoslavia a precedent had been set by Germany's recognision of Croatia as independent. EU/US followed with same. This caused a bloody war in Bosnia & Hercegovina. It was easy to blame Serbs but who really started the war & could it have been prevented by the outside world?!

Serbs not only paid a price is Serbia (sometimes someone should listen to their hardships) but were also bombed in Belgrade all other parts of Serbia. The planes would come over approx. 2am - Many people running scared. But there was no where to hide. Wonder how many people had heart attacks during those weeks of bombing. - There was no food in shops. Country was under sanctions and their families could not travel to see them. Serbs in Bosnia could not get through into Serbia. People have been sent back to Bosnia to die. And food, not even on black market. Have you watched someone trying to eat but not able to swallow? - Crying and wondering what is happening to the rest of family who is not so fortunate. - Where was America than. Wondering about their popularity and foreign policy which in my openion had a lot lacking.

Now Serbia and Serbian people still are paying the price. For what! People can not travel without long procedural visa requirements. The whole world is on the move. Serbia has a lot of work to do in order to join the EU. What work is that?! How did Romania, Bulagaria, Hungary and now Croatia are managing it?! Is there more bias? There is hardly any difference between Croat & Serbian economy. Yet.... Should I go on.

America really has a lot of work to do. However before it does it needs to understand just what X-Yugoslavia was about and what Serbia stands for now.

Limited military presence?! Where and why and for what reason.

L*O*G*I*C

pre 15 godina

Serbian President Boris Tadić has confirmed that he will not recognize Kosovo’s independence, but at the same time said he would be willing to talk, even in Priština, about vital issues involving the Serbs in Kosovo, Sletzinger said.

Why in hell would we allow this person in Kosovo? So Premier Thaci is a "terrorist" but you're willing to negotiate with him?

This guy is a joke.

ZK,

You have the audacity to blame America/Germany for Georgian when RUSSIA invaded another sovereign UN member STATE (international law???).

If you want to talk facts, Serbian Dinar (RSD) has been declining 25% in the last few months. Considering how Serbs get paid in RSD but all their loans are in EUR; if the dinar loses another quarter (25%) in inflation then you will hear about a mass economic recession in Belgrade.

Michael John

pre 15 godina

The US will continue to use the "carrot and stick" approach with Serbia until they have her completely in harness. After that, the glove will come off the fist.

ZK

pre 15 godina

Well, it looks like someone is finally coming round to the reality of the situation.

Serbia and the Serbians are key to the region, especially for stability and prosperity. As can be seen in both BiH and Kosovo, it cannot function without our participation. Republika Srpska prospers while the Federation is bankrupt.

In Kosovo, the Albanians keep living in a false past and are more interested in burning churches than building bridges. Money is running dry and the US will soon realise that unless they treat Serbia and the Serbians with respect, they will continue to pump funds into a black hole. Funds they don't have!

It seems the Germans and the US have caused large scale damage while achieving no benefit. They obviously had little understanding of the region and their actions have caused further instability throughout the world. Just look at Georgia as proof.

This has gone horribly wrong for them, by increasing divisions within NATO and the EU, causing rifts with Russia and Serbia while supporting criminals and terrorists that feed their people lies.

Lets see if Obama will deliver his promise. I don't think he'll have a choice soon with the US debt shortly increasing to 15 trillion. That's about $150,000 per worker.

Those that joined the Euro-Atlantic alliance at its peak are the ones that will be brought down with it. It's a great shame that some will have that experience twice in recent history.

MS

pre 15 godina

Whilst I welcome US positive attitude towards Serbia and X-Yugoslavia I still remain scaptic. Clinton administration that prides itself on foreign policy for bringing peace in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Wonder how many American knew of Yugoslavia let alone Bosnia and Hercegovina. I recall American policy towards Bosnia biased in my openion against the Serbs. Press was full of habe for Serbs even when they were not sure what was happening on the ground. But it was good publicity! And for whom.

In split up of X-Yugoslavia a precedent had been set by Germany's recognision of Croatia as independent. EU/US followed with same. This caused a bloody war in Bosnia & Hercegovina. It was easy to blame Serbs but who really started the war & could it have been prevented by the outside world?!

Serbs not only paid a price is Serbia (sometimes someone should listen to their hardships) but were also bombed in Belgrade all other parts of Serbia. The planes would come over approx. 2am - Many people running scared. But there was no where to hide. Wonder how many people had heart attacks during those weeks of bombing. - There was no food in shops. Country was under sanctions and their families could not travel to see them. Serbs in Bosnia could not get through into Serbia. People have been sent back to Bosnia to die. And food, not even on black market. Have you watched someone trying to eat but not able to swallow? - Crying and wondering what is happening to the rest of family who is not so fortunate. - Where was America than. Wondering about their popularity and foreign policy which in my openion had a lot lacking.

Now Serbia and Serbian people still are paying the price. For what! People can not travel without long procedural visa requirements. The whole world is on the move. Serbia has a lot of work to do in order to join the EU. What work is that?! How did Romania, Bulagaria, Hungary and now Croatia are managing it?! Is there more bias? There is hardly any difference between Croat & Serbian economy. Yet.... Should I go on.

America really has a lot of work to do. However before it does it needs to understand just what X-Yugoslavia was about and what Serbia stands for now.

Limited military presence?! Where and why and for what reason.

ZK

pre 15 godina

Well, it looks like someone is finally coming round to the reality of the situation.

Serbia and the Serbians are key to the region, especially for stability and prosperity. As can be seen in both BiH and Kosovo, it cannot function without our participation. Republika Srpska prospers while the Federation is bankrupt.

In Kosovo, the Albanians keep living in a false past and are more interested in burning churches than building bridges. Money is running dry and the US will soon realise that unless they treat Serbia and the Serbians with respect, they will continue to pump funds into a black hole. Funds they don't have!

It seems the Germans and the US have caused large scale damage while achieving no benefit. They obviously had little understanding of the region and their actions have caused further instability throughout the world. Just look at Georgia as proof.

This has gone horribly wrong for them, by increasing divisions within NATO and the EU, causing rifts with Russia and Serbia while supporting criminals and terrorists that feed their people lies.

Lets see if Obama will deliver his promise. I don't think he'll have a choice soon with the US debt shortly increasing to 15 trillion. That's about $150,000 per worker.

Those that joined the Euro-Atlantic alliance at its peak are the ones that will be brought down with it. It's a great shame that some will have that experience twice in recent history.

JC, USA

pre 15 godina

"the U.S. practiced an objective policy toward all sides"....yeah, right.

@ Olf:

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Not necessarily -- the U.S. needed an enemy to justify the illegal NATO war, and Serbia was subsequently demonized.

"Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police."

Oh really? From all the Serbian air strikes? How about the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals and bridges by NATO and killing of civilians?? Has NATO paid for this damage?? Has any Western leader stood trial for these crimes?? Last I checked Russia was clearing Serbian soil of unexploded cluster bombs.

Give me a break.

ZK

pre 15 godina

It's called the Kosovo precedent logic. If Kosovo didn't illegally declare independence then you can be sure the problems in Georgia would not have occured.

As for the Dinar, you are a little out of date. It's not that the dinar declined but rather that the Euro strengthened. I live in Belgrade and I regularly exchange GBP for EUR and RSD and I am glad to inform you that the EUR is the one beginning to decline now while the GBP and RSD (Dinar) are finally strengthening.

Mike

pre 15 godina

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Only after it's been tamed and housebroken. You should know that any state that's "key" to a region has to come under the US sphere of influence: Germany was "key" to Central Europe as early as 1914. Iraq was "key" to the Middle East. Serbia is "key" to Southeastern Europe. And as such, all must fall within the influence of the global hegemon - either by diplomacy or barring that, by force. If Serbia wasn't key, we wouldn't really care about it. But Brussels is eager to see it within the EU, and the US even after it's little episode in international emminent domain, is eager to cultivate a partnership with Serbia.

It's strategic, mind you. It has little to do with personal politics. But Belgrade has the potential, more than any other city in the region, of being the Berlin of Southeast Europe. And if Washington does not capitalize on the presence of a pro-Western government now, the national populists may sweep to power in the next election.

Mike

pre 15 godina

"This was not the case with Kosovo, he said, where a different policy was practiced, resulting in, among other things, the current uncertainty in that region."

So Daytonize the damn thing already and get on with it. This isn't rocket science.

Rote Kapelle

pre 15 godina

“ … certain nuances of Clinton’s policy, in a positive sense,”
- I wonder what positive sense can be found in Clinton’s policy on the Balkanes ! Which of the problem did he solve ? He has just installed mines to blow up now and then. They were successful only in freezing old conflicts and creating new ones. They need to be needed so they split peoples and come as if to make them friends.

- I sometimes think of how many good things peoples of the Balkanes could have done instead of useless and devastating confrontation ! And it all started during Clinton’s 8 years.

Vlad The Impaler

pre 15 godina

What president Obama and the white house say wont matter in about 10 years; USA may cease to exist. America will most likely go bankrupt...defaulting on its debt. Civil war may break out along the border with Mexico between Spanish speakers and English speakers...much like Kosovo. All Serbia has to do is be patient, re-arm, and amass wealth. When the USA collapses...you know the EU will be next.

Jovan

pre 15 godina

the US will very likely change their approach, BUT that won´t happen in the Obama-era.

changes like the one mentioned will take more time.

but the probability is growing, and Serbia has time on her side.

so, let´s just see what future brings.

Milan

pre 15 godina

"Vlad",

I am not sure about your comments that the US will cease to exist or that it will go bankrupt (it will loose a lot of global influence and may resort to some kind of isolation again like as before WWI). However, your prediction of violence along the US-Mexican border (although not a war scale) has actually already become reality.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090209/ap_on_re_us/border_spillover_violence

Elements in the Mexican drugs maffia have many similarities with the Kosovo maffia/KLA. Like the rest of Europe to the Albanian drugs maffia the US is a huge market for the Mexican drugs maffia that they will not give up easily. In a worst case scenario innocent civilians will get killed, but real it will hit the fan if US law enforcement officers (local or border patrol) will be targeted by these criminals (they will try to avoid that as much as possible, but a trapped animal behaves unpredictable). Then the US will have its own sort of Kosovo (but at a larger scale of course). The funny thing is that the Mexican drugs maffia is actually buying their guns in the US (so unlike the Albanians in Kosovo they are not sponsored by the foreign countries, but by the host country). Interesting times we are living in.

L*O*G*I*C

pre 15 godina

Serbian President Boris Tadić has confirmed that he will not recognize Kosovo’s independence, but at the same time said he would be willing to talk, even in Priština, about vital issues involving the Serbs in Kosovo, Sletzinger said.

Why in hell would we allow this person in Kosovo? So Premier Thaci is a "terrorist" but you're willing to negotiate with him?

This guy is a joke.

ZK,

You have the audacity to blame America/Germany for Georgian when RUSSIA invaded another sovereign UN member STATE (international law???).

If you want to talk facts, Serbian Dinar (RSD) has been declining 25% in the last few months. Considering how Serbs get paid in RSD but all their loans are in EUR; if the dinar loses another quarter (25%) in inflation then you will hear about a mass economic recession in Belgrade.

Michael John

pre 15 godina

The US will continue to use the "carrot and stick" approach with Serbia until they have her completely in harness. After that, the glove will come off the fist.

tim

pre 15 godina

Now there is uncertainty on the ground, eh? Hey Feith! Hey K albs! Everybody wants certainty, so as your imaginary independence is just that, take comfort in the certainty that Kosovo is Serbia.

Olf

pre 15 godina

ZK UK

Serbia key to Balkan’s? Not really. If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it. Looks around Serbia and you will find out that Serbia’s neighbours have progressed in EU and are far better then Serbia.
This line ”Serbia key to Balkans” came out of Serbian politicians dictionary and this is what they are telling people of Serbia, wise people know the truth.

Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police. This will come at later stage since no crimes have ever gone unpunished.

Koserbo

pre 15 godina

Now that the West is 110% convinced that President Tadic and "(T)his generation of Serbs will never recognize Kosovo"---to partially qoute my Albanian brothers with their and Taci's favorite words in the English language: Partition "is a done deal."

Olf

pre 15 godina

ZK UK

Serbia key to Balkan’s? Not really. If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it. Looks around Serbia and you will find out that Serbia’s neighbours have progressed in EU and are far better then Serbia.
This line ”Serbia key to Balkans” came out of Serbian politicians dictionary and this is what they are telling people of Serbia, wise people know the truth.

Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police. This will come at later stage since no crimes have ever gone unpunished.

L*O*G*I*C

pre 15 godina

Serbian President Boris Tadić has confirmed that he will not recognize Kosovo’s independence, but at the same time said he would be willing to talk, even in Priština, about vital issues involving the Serbs in Kosovo, Sletzinger said.

Why in hell would we allow this person in Kosovo? So Premier Thaci is a "terrorist" but you're willing to negotiate with him?

This guy is a joke.

ZK,

You have the audacity to blame America/Germany for Georgian when RUSSIA invaded another sovereign UN member STATE (international law???).

If you want to talk facts, Serbian Dinar (RSD) has been declining 25% in the last few months. Considering how Serbs get paid in RSD but all their loans are in EUR; if the dinar loses another quarter (25%) in inflation then you will hear about a mass economic recession in Belgrade.

ZK

pre 15 godina

Well, it looks like someone is finally coming round to the reality of the situation.

Serbia and the Serbians are key to the region, especially for stability and prosperity. As can be seen in both BiH and Kosovo, it cannot function without our participation. Republika Srpska prospers while the Federation is bankrupt.

In Kosovo, the Albanians keep living in a false past and are more interested in burning churches than building bridges. Money is running dry and the US will soon realise that unless they treat Serbia and the Serbians with respect, they will continue to pump funds into a black hole. Funds they don't have!

It seems the Germans and the US have caused large scale damage while achieving no benefit. They obviously had little understanding of the region and their actions have caused further instability throughout the world. Just look at Georgia as proof.

This has gone horribly wrong for them, by increasing divisions within NATO and the EU, causing rifts with Russia and Serbia while supporting criminals and terrorists that feed their people lies.

Lets see if Obama will deliver his promise. I don't think he'll have a choice soon with the US debt shortly increasing to 15 trillion. That's about $150,000 per worker.

Those that joined the Euro-Atlantic alliance at its peak are the ones that will be brought down with it. It's a great shame that some will have that experience twice in recent history.

Michael John

pre 15 godina

The US will continue to use the "carrot and stick" approach with Serbia until they have her completely in harness. After that, the glove will come off the fist.

MS

pre 15 godina

Whilst I welcome US positive attitude towards Serbia and X-Yugoslavia I still remain scaptic. Clinton administration that prides itself on foreign policy for bringing peace in Bosnia-Hercegovina. Wonder how many American knew of Yugoslavia let alone Bosnia and Hercegovina. I recall American policy towards Bosnia biased in my openion against the Serbs. Press was full of habe for Serbs even when they were not sure what was happening on the ground. But it was good publicity! And for whom.

In split up of X-Yugoslavia a precedent had been set by Germany's recognision of Croatia as independent. EU/US followed with same. This caused a bloody war in Bosnia & Hercegovina. It was easy to blame Serbs but who really started the war & could it have been prevented by the outside world?!

Serbs not only paid a price is Serbia (sometimes someone should listen to their hardships) but were also bombed in Belgrade all other parts of Serbia. The planes would come over approx. 2am - Many people running scared. But there was no where to hide. Wonder how many people had heart attacks during those weeks of bombing. - There was no food in shops. Country was under sanctions and their families could not travel to see them. Serbs in Bosnia could not get through into Serbia. People have been sent back to Bosnia to die. And food, not even on black market. Have you watched someone trying to eat but not able to swallow? - Crying and wondering what is happening to the rest of family who is not so fortunate. - Where was America than. Wondering about their popularity and foreign policy which in my openion had a lot lacking.

Now Serbia and Serbian people still are paying the price. For what! People can not travel without long procedural visa requirements. The whole world is on the move. Serbia has a lot of work to do in order to join the EU. What work is that?! How did Romania, Bulagaria, Hungary and now Croatia are managing it?! Is there more bias? There is hardly any difference between Croat & Serbian economy. Yet.... Should I go on.

America really has a lot of work to do. However before it does it needs to understand just what X-Yugoslavia was about and what Serbia stands for now.

Limited military presence?! Where and why and for what reason.

ZK

pre 15 godina

It's called the Kosovo precedent logic. If Kosovo didn't illegally declare independence then you can be sure the problems in Georgia would not have occured.

As for the Dinar, you are a little out of date. It's not that the dinar declined but rather that the Euro strengthened. I live in Belgrade and I regularly exchange GBP for EUR and RSD and I am glad to inform you that the EUR is the one beginning to decline now while the GBP and RSD (Dinar) are finally strengthening.

Mike

pre 15 godina

"This was not the case with Kosovo, he said, where a different policy was practiced, resulting in, among other things, the current uncertainty in that region."

So Daytonize the damn thing already and get on with it. This isn't rocket science.

Koserbo

pre 15 godina

Now that the West is 110% convinced that President Tadic and "(T)his generation of Serbs will never recognize Kosovo"---to partially qoute my Albanian brothers with their and Taci's favorite words in the English language: Partition "is a done deal."

tim

pre 15 godina

Now there is uncertainty on the ground, eh? Hey Feith! Hey K albs! Everybody wants certainty, so as your imaginary independence is just that, take comfort in the certainty that Kosovo is Serbia.

Vlad The Impaler

pre 15 godina

What president Obama and the white house say wont matter in about 10 years; USA may cease to exist. America will most likely go bankrupt...defaulting on its debt. Civil war may break out along the border with Mexico between Spanish speakers and English speakers...much like Kosovo. All Serbia has to do is be patient, re-arm, and amass wealth. When the USA collapses...you know the EU will be next.

JC, USA

pre 15 godina

"the U.S. practiced an objective policy toward all sides"....yeah, right.

@ Olf:

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Not necessarily -- the U.S. needed an enemy to justify the illegal NATO war, and Serbia was subsequently demonized.

"Serbia still has to pay for the damage caused to civilians and the infrastructure in Kosovo form their State run paramilitaries, army and police."

Oh really? From all the Serbian air strikes? How about the deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals and bridges by NATO and killing of civilians?? Has NATO paid for this damage?? Has any Western leader stood trial for these crimes?? Last I checked Russia was clearing Serbian soil of unexploded cluster bombs.

Give me a break.

Mike

pre 15 godina

"If Serbia was so crucial to Balkans, USA and EU would have supported it."

Only after it's been tamed and housebroken. You should know that any state that's "key" to a region has to come under the US sphere of influence: Germany was "key" to Central Europe as early as 1914. Iraq was "key" to the Middle East. Serbia is "key" to Southeastern Europe. And as such, all must fall within the influence of the global hegemon - either by diplomacy or barring that, by force. If Serbia wasn't key, we wouldn't really care about it. But Brussels is eager to see it within the EU, and the US even after it's little episode in international emminent domain, is eager to cultivate a partnership with Serbia.

It's strategic, mind you. It has little to do with personal politics. But Belgrade has the potential, more than any other city in the region, of being the Berlin of Southeast Europe. And if Washington does not capitalize on the presence of a pro-Western government now, the national populists may sweep to power in the next election.

Rote Kapelle

pre 15 godina

“ … certain nuances of Clinton’s policy, in a positive sense,”
- I wonder what positive sense can be found in Clinton’s policy on the Balkanes ! Which of the problem did he solve ? He has just installed mines to blow up now and then. They were successful only in freezing old conflicts and creating new ones. They need to be needed so they split peoples and come as if to make them friends.

- I sometimes think of how many good things peoples of the Balkanes could have done instead of useless and devastating confrontation ! And it all started during Clinton’s 8 years.

Milan

pre 15 godina

"Vlad",

I am not sure about your comments that the US will cease to exist or that it will go bankrupt (it will loose a lot of global influence and may resort to some kind of isolation again like as before WWI). However, your prediction of violence along the US-Mexican border (although not a war scale) has actually already become reality.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090209/ap_on_re_us/border_spillover_violence

Elements in the Mexican drugs maffia have many similarities with the Kosovo maffia/KLA. Like the rest of Europe to the Albanian drugs maffia the US is a huge market for the Mexican drugs maffia that they will not give up easily. In a worst case scenario innocent civilians will get killed, but real it will hit the fan if US law enforcement officers (local or border patrol) will be targeted by these criminals (they will try to avoid that as much as possible, but a trapped animal behaves unpredictable). Then the US will have its own sort of Kosovo (but at a larger scale of course). The funny thing is that the Mexican drugs maffia is actually buying their guns in the US (so unlike the Albanians in Kosovo they are not sponsored by the foreign countries, but by the host country). Interesting times we are living in.

Jovan

pre 15 godina

the US will very likely change their approach, BUT that won´t happen in the Obama-era.

changes like the one mentioned will take more time.

but the probability is growing, and Serbia has time on her side.

so, let´s just see what future brings.