Peter RogersIs Kosovo Free? Islamabad Sure Isn't
February 18th 2008 12:55
February 19, 2008.
* At long, long last, Kosovo has declared independence from Serbia, ending a long chapter in the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. Not even Milosevic's hearty followers could stop the inevitable force for independence. That was Sunday night - a long time ago now.
Kosovo, a small area in Sothern Serbia, with a 90 per-cent ethnic Albanian majority, mostly Muslim, have copped the ‘raw end of the stick’ for many, many years. Even still, Belgrade claim Kosovo to be a vital part of its countries' past and future, and vows to never give up the territory. In fact, even today, Serbia's police have filed criminal charges against three Kosovo Albanian leaders for "organising the proclamation of a phoney state on Serbian territory." Belgrade claim that by proclaiming the independence of Kosovo, the three had "committed a serious criminal act against the constitutional order and security of Serbia."
Russia and China are among the other neighbours who bitterly oppose the secession. China are worried about the possible negative impact that Kosovo's unilateral declaration would have on the region. But if one merely took the time to read, or view any footage of the atrocities that have taken place in the region over the last 15 years, then that would surely result in having the upmost pity for the Albanian (and Muslim) population of Kosovo. Let the poor people live without fear and oppression.
* Meanwhile, with a strong-hold of up to 80,000 troops, backing up police and authorities, Pakistani's took to the polling booths for their general election. The same election that was initially postponed following the assassination of democratic hopeful, Benazir Bhutto.
There is no doubt at all that the death of Bhutto, the most progressive and Western-friendly politician, in a Muslim nation rife with anti-American sentiment, raised concerns about the countries' future, but also about the stability of its nuclear-arms. The election, which is expected to be filled with bloodshed, is being keenly watched by allies and neighbours. Hopefully the right result will take place, and that means President Musharraf, who has ruled since coming to power in a 1999 military coup, leaves the political scene forever.
| 64 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
