Adding the the uneasiness of the region, latest news talks of hate killings. UN shocked by Kosovo Serb deaths -BBC While everyone keeps saying that they are “shocked,” I am not so much, unfortunately. Whereas the other other areas affected by the Wars of Yugoslav succession have had a decade of time lapsed and have some semblance of regaining order, Kosovo has had only since 1999 to start to pick up the pieces- and EU and KFOR (of the UN) have been really the ones in charge since then (although on paper it’s still technically part of Serbia).
These last 6 years have been a time of trying to heal, as well as facing an uncertain future. Talks to determine who will govern will start in December- and this tension I pray will not lead to even more violence… although I’m not too confident. I have heard of little skirmishes all over Kosovo since May when I read about a conference in Switzerland. Most people think the Swiss are neutral- but au contraire! … Swiss position on Kosovo The Swiss have many refugees from Kosovo and this has played greatly into their politics- the Swiss stand strong in pushing for a independant Kosovo…
I find this dangerous- as the talks have not even started and nations are already making positions. Haven’t they learned from history? -That Slovenia- then Croatia- broke away and started the sticky unravelling we call the Wars of Yugoslav Succession with the support of Germany and Austria… While there are many factors in why these countries broke away, people have said that without Germany and Austria’s support, it would have been much differnet- and possibly less bloody.
Although an idealist, I am real in knowing that the situation in Kosovo is tough and that no one will get their way. But compromise is still possible while we are still listening and valuing each party’s argument… I’ll be praying for you Kosovo!