Thu 21 Feb 2008
Should Muslims Rejoice at an Independent Kosovo?
Posted by themanoffewwords under Current Events
The Balkans are serious about remaining true to the word they inspired “balkanization” with yet another state seceding from the former Yugoslavia. This new state however is a rather tiny one with an overwhelming Muslim majority and is the third Muslim state in Europe joining Albania and Turkey. Should Muslims be happy for our fellow brothers and sisters or deeply concerned about where this is all heading?
I’ll admit my knowledge of the complex politics of this region is a bit sketchy but I will talk about what I know. Kosovo is being manipulated by the US in order to keep a large military presence in the region. This is antagonizing Russia which is irked by various other US attempts to undermine its sphere of influence and sense of “security” in Eastern Europe and the Caucuses. So at the outset it seems that a network of alliances is forming with the Russians backing the Serbs and the US and NATO backing Kosovo. This Great Game type of politics can only lead to disaster and the tragedy is that, once again, Muslims are caught in the middle.
Once upon a time a powder keg of alliances criss-crossed Europe and a tiny spark in (surprise, surprise) the Balkans erupted all of Europe in a brutal bloody war. That was WWI. Are we in for a repeat performance? Well, things are getting more complicated now with Russia and the US making threatening noises at one another and both toting Nuclear weapons. While Putin is a careful and crafty fellow I have no faith in the sanity of anyone in the White House with their fingers hovering over nuclear weapons. During the US bombing in the early 90’s the Russians sent troops into Serbia to establish a role in negotiations and flex their muscles. Panicky and outraged US officials (including the tender Madeleine Albright) gave commands to bomb them. The one to save the day was the British general leading UN forces who replied, “I am not starting World War III for you.” Phew! close one, at least Bush has the sense to attack countries that (he thinks) can’t fight back.
Anyway, it’s important to note that the only reason Kosovo can declare independence is because of NATO protection otherwise they would have been invaded by the Serbs already. To declare independence under the protection of an opportunistic, corrupt superpower is not really independence at all. A cursory look at Hashim Thaci, the new PM of Kosovo, is not promising considering his alleged connections with the mob, drug trafficking and prostitution. Clearly these sorts of leaders are customary in US client states. Dependence on the US is risky considering the US may not always be there to defend the Kosovars thus setting them up to fend for themselves should their ally unceremoniously depart. Such a situation could end up being unnecessarily bloody with a small landlocked country surrounded by bloody minded hostiles.
For the US to insist Kosovar independence on the basis of ethnic rule opens up some ugly ramifications. Stretching from the Balkans to the mountainous Caucuses are a melange of different ethnic groups who are clamoring for independence based on the precedent set by the US in Kosovo. Furthermore, Albanians are talking about carving out a greater Albania from neighboring states including Kosovo. A great big mess indeed in that region the preferred method of solving problems is ethnic cleansing.
Obviously this region is generally lacking in tolerance and multicultural harmony. All sides, regrettably including the Muslims, are fiercely nationalistic and have long memories. Muslims are persecuted and persecute. Mosques are destroyed and so are churches. There are no heroes or good guys here. A far better solution would be for the Kosovars to come to an agreement granting them autonomy and come to an understanding that will foster a more friendly and cooperative neighborly atmosphere in the region rather than the rancorous, seething hatred all sides have for one another. This is what looks to me like the best long term solution. But it seems like the regional and superpowers are more concerned with their own agendas than brokering peace.
The Balkans are a rough place with rough people. But I am sure good diplomacy and well-cooked kebabs could do wonders during negotiations. If only we could get rid of the Bear and the Bald Eagle maybe these people could work things out.
Breaking News
While writing this post I came across this article and it doesn’t bode well for the future.
Also today I just read this article describing a mob attacking the US embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. Things are really heating up.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Will Palestine ever be able live and rejoice if they were autonomous under Israel rule, NO! ; and neither can Kosova. When a someone has slaughtered your brothers and sisters for decades you wouldn’t want to [mod edit] on them let alone be autonomous under their rule.
February 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 am
I understand where you’re coming from but the problem is that Kosovo did not achieve independence except under the protection of NATO forces. If, in the future, US interests dictate leaving the region or if US power wanes then the Kosovars will be left to fend for themselves. This could lead to another round of ethnic cleansing with the Kosovars facing a Russian armed Serb army.
In this case autonomy is better than genocide. Had the Kosovars won independence through their own efforts and where able to defend themselves against aggression without the help an outside army then I would fully support it but this is a small, impoverished landlocked nation. If they could pull off a greater Albania then things might be interesting, but that whole affair is also going to be very bloody.
February 24th, 2008 at 6:59 am
AA-
Very nice analysis.
“If only we could get rid of the Bear and the Bald Eagle maybe these people could work things out.”
But do you really think that crux of the problem is outside meddling? Do you think that Kosova would not have declared independence if it weren’t for US/Nato?
And what did the US gain by having Kosova declare its independence? After all, their presence is already cemented with their huge military base, no?
February 24th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I certainly don’t think that Kosovo’s independence would be possible without US intervention.
As for what the US would gain, if Kosovo reconciles with Serbia then it’s safe to say they would reject any NATO presence or US bases in their territory. An independent pro-US Kosovo gives the US the pretext it needs for maintaining a military presence to defend the nascent state.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
A nice analysis, but for the better insight on the root of the Balkan’s problems I would sincerely like to recommend a book written by Florence Hartman “Peace and Punishment”, what I would like to emphasize is that
Kosovo is completely unique and especial problem and it cannot be related completely with all the recent turbulences in the 90thies
February 26th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
thanks for the recommendation Jasko. I completely agree with you the issues in the Balkans are complex and stretch back all the way to Ottoman conquests and even earlier.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Kosovo allready was an autonomy of Serbia during the Yugoslavia days and things were not good for the ethnic Albanians they were being oppressed. Even though it takes the NATO pack to support this independence, it gives Kosovo the chance to militarize itself and be prepared in case of attack in the case that NATO loses interest one day. Not much different than what Dayton offered Bosnia - while it was a shit agreement for the Muslims - having to give up 49% of their land to Serbians (who have not been letting refugees return with any ease - mostly only allowing the elderly back in as a weak show of “we’re complying”) and Serbs only constituted 31% of the population during the war - Dayton offered a chance for a negotiated peace and also allowed for establishing a military so that Bosnians would not find themselves the targets of a genocidal campaign.
Serb nationalism has been the cause of every little state leaving the former Yugoslavia. It’s a bit too late for negotiating any sort of peace between Kosovo and Serbia to stay together. The dream of a greater Serbia needs to be put to an end and this system of rewarding their aggression and oppresion needs to stop right now.
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Fourth Muslim country, bro. After Turkey, Albania and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Actually, Manas, Bosnia and Herzegovina is mostly Christian (over 50%).