Kosovo Independence -- A New War In Europe?

Summary Of News On Kosovo:

Serbia Braces For New Nation -- Washington Times

Kosovo Vow As Independence Looms -- BBC News

Serbian President Tadic Vows To Preserve Kosovo -- Reuters

Serbia To Act Against Kosovo -- LA Times

Kosovo Breakaway Illegal, Says Putin -- Video From The Guardian

Kosovo A Frustration For Russia -- LA Times

On The Road To A Lawful Kosovo: Evictions -- International Herald Tribune

War’s Dead Haunt Both Sides In Kosovo -- MSNBC

Kosovo: Born Under A Bad Sign -- Analysis From The Financial Times

My Comment: I can appreciate and respect a people who wish to be independent. A majority of the population in Kosovo wants this independence, and if we are a people that respects democracy and freedom we must also respect this desire among the Kosovars for their own independent country.

Unfortunately, this pathway to independence is not going to give a positive outcome. The history of the Balkans is filled with blood and conflict. Instead of going through a slow and steady pace that would help future generations to adjust to this new situation, this rush to be independent is giving the impression (probably correct) that minority opinions and recommendations will be ignored .... and also history be damned.

Santayana is usually correct .... ignore the past and be prepared to repeat it.

Kosovo Independence Seen Likely For Feb. 17 -- Will Another Civil War Be The Result?

From The Washington Times:

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — The Serbian minister for Kosovo said yesterday that his government has learned the province's ethnic Albanian leadership will declare independence on Feb. 17. Western diplomats said they expected the move a day later.

Slobodan Samardzic said Serbia's government has received "relevant information" that Kosovo's government will "illegally declare unilateral independence of Kosovo on Sunday, Feb. 17." He did not specify the source of information and Belgrade remains fiercely opposed to the loss of the province.

Read more ....

More From The Guardian: Serbs warn of Kosovo clash

My Comment: Past decisions in the former country of Yugoslavia in calling for unilateral independence have led to strife, violent conflict, ethnic cleansing, and all out war. It looks like the groundwork for another stage in the Yugoslav civil war is being laid down without any appreciation of the consequences.