tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13436935.post7025867587893797867..comments2024-01-27T09:25:20.482-05:00Comments on South East Europe Online: UN Mediator Calls for Kosovo Independencebytyccihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05462031386252593424noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13436935.post-9407339000370367142007-03-22T14:35:00.000-04:002007-03-22T14:35:00.000-04:00'Over Kosovo? Not really! 'Yes, I know and history...'Over Kosovo? Not really! '<BR/><BR/>Yes, I know and history has shown us how Russia backed down at crucial moments on the former Yugoslavia.<BR/><BR/>But I think the situation is different this time because of the lame duck Presidency of Bush and his various foreign policy failures. At the same time Russia is gaining in strength - it was never in such a strong position in some sectors such as oil - as it is today.<BR/><BR/>This still doesnt mean Kosovo wont get independence though although I expect the process to be slowed.<BR/><BR/>Maybe Russia is bluffing but look at it this way so is the US isnt it? I mean look at it the other way round, dont tell me that Kosovo is important enough to the US to risk confrontation with Russia. We are not talking about Iraq where the US is committed or a US border country. Kosovo isnt a US vital interest.<BR/><BR/>Kosovo (and Serbia) is however, a vital European interest so in the end it will be the Europeans who make the final decision. I wont be surprised if the US backs off on Kosovo saying that the EU can clear up the potential mess on their own.<BR/><BR/>I'm no crank and this isnt 'mother Russia to the rescue' but I do know a little about international relations.Bg anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11684283179829016790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13436935.post-25850526569001620762007-03-22T00:13:00.000-04:002007-03-22T00:13:00.000-04:00Personally I think Russia is bluffing. It simply w...Personally I think Russia is bluffing. It simply wants to get as much out of this whole business as possible. Russia has never even said it is against independence!<BR/><BR/>May be the lack of coverage of the issue is a sign that really Russia is only bluffing, and no one is taking this seriously. <BR/><BR/>Remember, when Russia acts up with oil/gas the issue is covered. That's because there Russia has some real power. Over Kosovo? Not really!bytyccihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05462031386252593424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13436935.post-59385037777316733212007-03-21T15:21:00.000-04:002007-03-21T15:21:00.000-04:00You know I'm interested in how this will turn out ...You know I'm interested in how this will turn out between Russia and the US.<BR/><BR/>Kosovo is only a part of the story. Now its about international relations and unipolar vs multipolar.<BR/><BR/>Dont get me wrong I dont think its likely the Russians will stop Kosovo gaining eventual independence. But its clear that Putin has had enough of US ascendancy in international affairs. Further he has decided now is the time to make an issue out of it.<BR/><BR/>Speaking as a world citizen its about time that US hegemony is challenged but the truth is that Russia doesnt have anything new to offer to Kosovo negotiations.<BR/><BR/>What I have found amazing though is the complete lack of coverage of the issue. Its not everyday that a security council member walks out in the middle of a session, even if he mitigated / denied it later.Bg anonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11684283179829016790noreply@blogger.com