Dive into the archives.
- Russia shows its hand
With the independence of Kosovo, it seemed that Russia had backed down on its threats to recognize other separatist regions and indeed it did. But it was unlikely there would be no reaction which left analysts wondering when the second shoe would fall. It has:
The breakaway Abkhazia region in Georgia has called on the UN [...]
- Nation States: From Non-Existent to Status Quo
[Part I]
Last week, I argued that Kosovo did not actually set a legal precedent for other breakaway regions but instead finally officially asked a question that has been asked for decades but never answered, namely, who gets to become a state?
From Non-Existent to Status Quo
Although the idea of a nation-state is taken by most to [...]
- If Kosovo, Why Not Vermont?
Kosovo’s independence has created a whirlwind of diplomatic activity, worries, news articles and discussion. But let me say it in no uncertain words: Kosovo does not set a precedent for others.
Kosovo’s February 17th declaration of independence was perhaps the most carefully orchestrated, controlled and cautiousl independence ever. The declaration itself mentions the UN, international law, [...]
- Congratulations Kosovo
As expected, Kosovo declared its independence today. Leaving political analysis for the moment, I just returned from downtown Stuttgart where a large crowd of Kosovars held an independence celebration. There was champagne, dancing and Albanian and American flags as far as the eye could see. Your trusty correspondent naturally had his camera to capture this [...]
- 3pm is it
As of this afternoon, map makers will be forced to add yet another country to their product: Kosovo. At 15:00 today in Kosovo, the parliament will convene and vote on independence but that is merely a formality. The outcome has long been certain as I found out quickly while visiting in May.
By tonight we should [...]
- Serbia Chooses
This weekend’s elections in Serbia brought a sigh of relief to those all over the EU. Boris Tadic was victorious over nationalist Tomislav Nikolic. While most news outlets are emphasizing Serbia choosing Europe and pro-Western, it would behoove them to remember that with regard to Kosovo, the entire country is of one mind. Tadic, who [...]
- The Big Day Looms
While Americans ponder Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, Europe is pondering December 10th, the day that will finally end negotiations over Kosovo and either on which, or shortly after which, Kosovo is expected to unilaterally declare independence. While around 15,000 NATO troops will remain in Kosovo to maintain peace regardless of what happens, a great [...]
- Could Kosovo Make or Break Europe?
Almost two decades after the Cold War and with some looking to Europe to play a larger role in world affairs, a pesky little province of two million just refuses to go away. Eight years after the Kosovo War in which NATO troops largely consisting of the US and Germany intervened to protect Kosovar Albanians [...]
- Counting on European Cowardice
Reading the news daily can often be as funny as the comics section. Today was no exception when I came across the following article in Der Speigel’s English edition:
Serbia Says Use of Force Is an Option in Kosovo
Kosovo’s Albanian-dominated government seems set to declare its independence from Serbia. Some Western governments appear to back this [...]
- Outmaneuvering Russia
An interesting development in the forever-stalled final status of Kosovo. Back in July, RFERL reported that the issue may be moved from the UN to the Contact Group for the Balkans, formed back during the war in Bosnia.
However, the move to turn to the Contact Group may be inspired less by the hope of reviving [...]
