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U.S. Embassy in Belgrade Attacked
Posted by DipNote Bloggers on Feb 22, 2008 - 08:32 AM

The U.S. embassy in Belgrade, Serbia burns after attackers set fire to an office Feb. 21, 2008. [AP]

Given the graphic images of the recent attack on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, thankfully all embassy personnel are safe and accounted for. At the request of the Ambassador, all family members and non-essential embassy personnel were ordered Friday afternoon to leave Serbia. They will be taken to another country in the region until it is deemed safe for them to return to Belgrade.

Secretary Rice (Feb. 22): "The Serb Government ...had an obligation to protect diplomatic missions and from what we can tell, the police presence was either inadequate or unresponsive at the time."

More information...

The Situation At U.S. Embassy Belgrade (02/21/2008) | View Video
Daily Press Briefing (02/21/2008) | View Video

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Comments

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ NB in Pakistan -- In some ways, one may draw a relative parallel between the re-drawn borders in what was known Yugoslavia, and the potential in 2012 when the Durand line becomes an issue to re-negotiate between Afghanistan and Pakistan, parties not signatory the original treaty, but subject to its implementation last century.

I could forsee an eventual solution wherein Warizstan is recognized as an independant province of both countries, with the appropriate representation in both the Afghan Loya Jirga, and Pakistan's version of a representitive government structure.

That should solve any nationalistic claims to the area, as well as creating the structured independence of the region in a more federalized regional arrangement between nations. Giving the local folks the say in their own affairs within the regional context in all aspects is essential to a successful democratic system. It is rightly said that all politics is local for that reason.

Otherwise I believe this long-standing issue will continue to fester to the detriment of all concerned, except al quaida of course who found an ideal breading ground of resentment and called it home.

Best regards.

Posted on Thu Mar 06, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

Serbs are not indians willing to trade their land for smallpox-laden blankets and a few bottles of liquor. As the indians discovered to their great misfortune, the U.S. government cannot be trusted to keep promises, and a promise was made not to divide Serbia. The true motives behind the war on Serbia and Kosovo independence are buried in plausible excuses to pacify our taxpayers. What you could know, if you care to read about it, is that a former NATO commander in the Balkans said NATO, and America, helped the wrong side in the Serb war.

The latest conspirators to negligently stumble into a future Balkan war are the United States and the European Union, which have rushed in to recognize what Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica rightly calls the "fake state of Kosovo." Why is it a fake state? Because there are no Kosovars, only Serbs and Albanians. Each group seeks to unite Kosovo with its homeland, historic Serbia or Greater Albania. An independent Kosovo has the half-life of a sub-atomic particle.

The action of the U.S. and the EU in stripping Serbia of Serbs' historic homeland is both a crime and a blunder. It is a crime, first, because the EU, NATO, and the UN, have no legal right to either create, dismember, or partition a sovereign state, and second, because the narrative used to justify the illegal action is a lie. The stated justification is that the Serbs, under Slobodan Milosevic, were ethnically cleansing Kosovo of Albanians. As German courts have established, there was no ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Kosovo until NATO started bombing Serbia. After NATO launched its unprovoked attack on Serbia (Mrs. Albright's splendid little war), the Serbs dumped the Albanians on NATO's doorstep as a vast logistics sponge. That wasn't terribly nice, but when you are a very small country fighting all of NATO, you do what you can. Ironically, after Serbia was forced to capitulate when Russia withdrew her support, NATO blithely presided over the ethnic cleansing of two-thirds of Kosovo's Serbs by the Albanians.

As your neighbors cannot legally agree to give away half of your land without your consent, the EU, NATO, and the UN have no ownership interest to give away part of Serbia without its consent. The UN has no right of eminent domain, nor could it have such a right, because the UN is not a sovereign nation. Under international law, the unlawful dismemberment of a nation could be a crime of genocide - the intentional dismemberment of a sovereign state resulting in relocation of a portion of its population, and under the rules established at Nuremburg, leaders of organizations participating in this crime could be prosecuted. Serbia will never accept the wholesale alienation of one of her provinces. Like France after 1871, her whole policy will focus on recovering her lost territory as soon as the moment is ripe.

Unchosen, mandatory obligations are state slavery, which should be obvious because the obligations are not chosen. In claiming or bestowing unchosen positive obligations onto other people, it is the demanding authorities who must face a burden of proof. The organization which claims that others have unchosen positive obligations to them is the one who must prove that others owe some kind of duty to them. In the absence of any objectively definable duty previously owed, the claim is false and fraudulent. To claim an abstract positive right to the labor of others, or to their land, is to claim authority over them by definition. Yet the UN, NATO, and the EU have no legal authority over Serbia. Someone who must fulfill unchosen positive obligations is engaging in involuntary servitude. Involuntary servitude is slavery and slavery is undemocratic. Forcing Serbia's government, at gunpoint, to participate in the loss of her territory is as undemocratic as armed robbery and a horrible precedent for the future.

The second blunder is further alienating Russia, this time in a way she cannot ignore. If the U.S. and the E.U. are blind to the ghost of 1914, Russia and Serbia are not. The fact that Russia went to war to protect Serbia then, puts pressure on Moscow to do so again, lest the Russian government look weak domestically as well as abroad. Yet even with Russian acquiescence, the legal objections remain - Kosovo remains Serbia until all Serb people, or their elected representatives, vote otherwise. To foolishly declare that Kosovo will never be Serbia is to assume authority which does not exist anywhere except in the Serbian people themselves.

Posted on Wed Mar 05, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. --

"Perhaps it is startling news to Joe in Tennessee and Eric in New Mexico that much of written history is a matter of opinion?"

Well Zharkov. I always believed that when Shakespeare wrote that "All the world's a stage, and all the people in it, players." that he forgot to add that all the world's an audience as well, and all the people in it, critics. Pathetic indeed in my honest opinion, that so few offer constructive solution to their complaint.

As to your subjective and revisionist opinion of history in general, my solution is to let you fondle your illusions in peace because dwelling in the past is mostly for those who care not for seeking a better future.

And whether it be individual, nation, or humanity itself...when stumbling across the truth, one eventually manages to pick themselves up and carry on. ( to paraphrase a man who reinvented himself many times.)

People do the strangest things, and I can't help but see it as being inherent in the dualistic nature of the universe we live in. Paradox abounds and there is no evil without the good in balance. Which is why I offered the thought I did to folks in Serbia and Kosovo I believe it applies to many circumstance.

I believe the US has been, and continues to be at risk of being manipulated into action that will potentially give rise to the largest mass religious manipulation of people in history. Let the world become aware of the manipulation, and watch as Islam takes a good look at itself.
And it is. It can because most of the world's Muslims live in democracies.

If you wish to defend the idiot who tried unsuccessfully to initiate a holy war Zharkov, go for it. It should be quite entertaining reading, as always.

Posted on Wed Mar 05, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Mar-03-2008 posting. I would say "Amen" to that.

Posted on Tue Mar 04, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Mar-01-2008 posting. I would like to add to my comments of Mar-02-2008. Yes, the prevailing situation in Waziristan is rotten and it's spreading into NWFP province of Pakistan and it has international implications too. The government of Pakistan ought to be more proactive in its efforts to bring some sense into the tribal elders instead of just being content with the efforts of the U.S. Administration. The government of Pakistan did try the old method of Jirga but failed miserably. I think it's basically the Jirga system that keeps the thinking of the tribal elders in the stone-age. There are things the government of Pakistan could do, like giving Waziristan a proper provincial status, training a police force constituted of educated younger generation and implementing the Law of the Land, i.e. the federal laws of Pakistan. I think by involving the educated younger generation the Jirga system could gradually fade away. Things cannot be put right overnight but at least a start in the right direction might eventually bring in the desired results. Just wanted to add this bit to my comments in which I had meant my individual capacity. Take care.

Posted on Mon Mar 03, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

Perhaps it is startling news to Joe in Tennesee and Eric in New Mexico that much of written history is a matter of opinion? Did you know that Mexico's school books tell a different story of Texas history than does America's school books? North Vietnam sees history differently from France and America? Even U.S. government officials see history differently from everyone else.

Were the Pentagon Papers a conspiracy theory or actual history?

How about the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution - based on fact or fiction?

Do you still believe Pat Tillman was killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan or was that a lie?

Do you believe, as the Pentagon initially claimed, that nothing happened at Abu Ghraib?

If photos of Abu Ghraib were kept secret, would the Pentagon would still deny today that it happened.

Do you believe it is some wild conspiracy theory that the CIA once allied itself with Osama bin Laden and supplied arms to his mujahideen? Do you know why bin Laden turned against America?

If you don't care about what your government does, are you no different from sheep, with dogs to lead you.

The problem with our government is that it cannot tell the truth to the public about what it is actually doing and why. Why does a former NATO commander say the attack on Serbia was a mistake? You don't know, and you will never know because you don't believe him and won't read what he wrote. I call it the "Ostrich Effect" - when the truth is so terrible that it must be denied.

Posted on Mon Mar 03, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

"I could translate it,yes. To have it delivered to North Waziristan is like asking me to commit suicide. I know you're joking but I do agree that the prevailing mentality and the situation in entire Waziristan is beyond understanding."

Well, I wouldn't want you to go to great risk to deliver it, but if it were possible to send it by snail mail, I'd hope the tribal elders would eventually pass it on to Bin Laden, may he choke to death upon reading the truth.

Posted on Mon Mar 03, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Mar-01-2008 posting. If something doesn't make sense, it is rejected by the reasoning mind no matter how one twists the story. I, for one, cannot accept that the Israelite lobby in U.S.A. would have sat silently if the Kosovians had been involved in atrocities against the Israelite people or their religious places. I also cannot accept that any U.S. administration could have collaborated with any terrorist organization let alone Al-Qaida.

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Mar-01-2008 posting. I could translate it,yes. To have it delivered to North Waziristan is like asking me to commit suicide. I know you're joking but I do agree that the prevailing mentality and the situation in entire Waziristan is beyond understanding. There too, educating the tribal elders could achieve a lot but the question is who's going to stick out his neck. Having said this, however, the U.S. is doing just that and I believe is running several development programs in Waziristan. Yes, it requires courage and concern more humanity to do that and the U.S. administration is showing both of it.

Posted on Sun Mar 02, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Joe in Tennessee -- "Reagan was not as intelligent as you may think."

I dunno Joe, If you want a discerning democrat's opinion about that, I'd say telling Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall!" was one of the most effective statements of all time.

Takes a fairly smart fellow to push the right buttons to get results.

Posted on Sat Mar 01, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

While Washington had officially designated the KLA a "terrorist organization" funded by the heroin trade, the Clinton administration was hypocritically complicit with their German allies in the division of the Serb province along ethnic and religious lines.

By 1998, the KLA took control of between 25 to 40 percent of the province before Serb forces wrested the KLA-held areas back. Facing imminent defeat, the Kosovo Liberation Army and allied Al-Qaida mujahideen fighters appealed to Washington, citing the imminent danger of "ethnic cleansing" by the Serbs. Laughable on the face of it, Albanians constitute fully 90 percent of Kosovo�s population, and in fact, it was the Serbs, Roma and Jews who were being brutalized by KLA hit squads, their homes torched, their churches and synagogues sacked. It was the dismantling of the KLA�s terrorist infrastructure by the Yugoslav People�s Army that was the trigger that prompted direct military intervention by NATO in 1999.

Posted on Sat Mar 01, 2008

Joe in Tennessee writes:

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. --

"Joe, I get my information from open source documents that anyone could find if they care to do the research. Here's an article from Michel Chossudovsky, 23 February 2008: The decision to destroy Yugoslavia as a country and carve it up into a number of small proxy states was taken by Reagan administration in the early 1980s."

You need a more formal education in history and reading biased opinions will only result in non objective views, which in print may seem correct, but twisted to suit the perspective of the editor.

1. Reagan was not as intelligent as you may think. Were not for GW Bush Sr, there would not have been a Reagan administration at all. Nixon was intelligent, Reagan was not. If anything an example of the Peters Principle going the wrong way and his support base carried him. He was an actor and wonder front man for an entire administration of exceptional personal, no more, no less. He was one of the most inflexible decision makers ever to sit in office since Teddy Roosevelt when he did make decisions, personal and other wise. History during this period of the United States prompted Gore Vidal to say: History in America is more half truth and lies that the administration or leadership at any given period of time would prefer you to believe.

2. Regarding the NSA proposed report: There are formats for all possibilities on the table for all countries. Pre and post elections are important for that reason as well as economics as impute probability factors. For the directive you view, there are at least ten other variables with projected outcomes which include everything from age life expectancy, education levels affected, economic to cultural changes. The variety of impute functions which go into these formulation is rather complex. So, just ONE NSA directive has many variables which are included. You are only indexing one of many regarding the country. So, you are correct only in plausibility, not fact.

3. Please go to wikipedia and view the history of Yugoslavia in a basic format to understand the infighting and divisions of the peoples to begin with that predate any outside involvements historically regarding the Serbian population. You should find the Ethnic tensions and the economic crisis section more in line with actuality. If you want to blame anyone it was all Nations who did not force Russia to honor the Malta agreement after WWII. It should have been a forced issue and one reason General Patton wanted to go after Russia; but politically America was tired of war and Germany was defeated. You think Tito was a wonderful guy, a great leader? Put blame where it belongs.

4. We never invaded Yugoslavia in any manner historically, but with the trimming of the cold war had to have all plausible possibilities listed. You seem to forget, proximity and relations with the old KGB could lead to the possibility that WMD would or could still be there and used by any possibility.

5. I think you need to learn to use open text in a more formal manner to find a logic matrix to develop a better understanding of what it printed. You need many views historically and modern to have a decent probability of truth.

If I want Russian news, I do not simply go to Russian and see what they say, I go to all neighboring countries as well including All those with economic relationships pending etc. Money is still a key denominator.

The world needs a good and evil basis to work from and the actual truth is: You can not have one without the other and: It is better to have two major adversarial powers than 100 varied powers. It keeps us all alive.

Posted on Sat Mar 01, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

(HOW TO SPOT A CONSPIRACY THEORIST: Lesson- 1)

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- Zharkov wrote:

"A 'Secret Sensitive' National Security Decision Directive (NSDD 133) entitled 'U.S. Policy towards Yugoslavia.' sets the framework for the destabilization of Yugoslavia's model of market socialism..."

I find it extremely dubious indeed, that a fellow can describe a policy he's no doubt never ever seen, precisely because as he says , it is "secret sensitive".

I think it's a pretty safe bet that the U.S. gov. would not let Zharkov anywhere near anything remotely classified....LOL!

(Thanks Zharkov, I needed a good laugh today, are you done pissing into the wind yet?)

@ NB in Pakistan -- I was simply elaborating on something Secretary Rice said regarding totalitarianism as compared to democracy.

Credit should go where it is due, I believe.

Although...(chuckle)...if you think it might make a North Warizstan Tribal elder's day, by all means let's do a little social experiment. If you have the time to translate it, and find a way to have it delivered.

(I figure if it makes sense to him, it probably proves the case)

I'm glad you enjoyed reading it, I had some enjoyable moments writing it.

Posted on Sat Mar 01, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

@ Joe in Tennessee -- Joe, I get my information from open source documents that anyone could find if they care to do the research. Here's an article from Michel Chossudovsky, 23 February 2008:

The decision to destroy Yugoslavia as a country and carve it up into a number of small proxy states was taken by Reagan administration in the early 1980s.

A "Secret Sensitive" National Security Decision Directive (NSDD 133) entitled "U.S. Policy towards Yugoslavia." sets the framework for the destabilization of Yugoslavia's model of market socialism and the establishment of a U.S. sphere of influence in Southeastern Europe.

Yugoslavia was in many regards an economic success story. In the two decades before 1980, annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged 6.1 percent, medical care was free, the rate of literacy was 91 percent, and life expectancy was 72 years.

NSDD 133 set in motion a series of covert intelligence operations which consisted in creating and supporting secessionist paramilitary armies. These operations were combined with the destabilization of the Yugoslav economy, which ultimately led to the destruction of its industrial base, the demise of the workers cooperative and the dramatic impoverishment of its population.

The record of U.S.-NATO war crimes (covert operations) is important in assessing recent developments in Kosovo.

From the outset of their respective mandates in June 1999, both NATO and the UN Mission to Kosovo (UNMIK) have actively supported the KLA which from the outset of the NATO occupation has been involved in numerous atrocities. It is important to understand that these atrocities were ordered by the current and former prime ministers of the Kosovo "government".

Since 1999, State terrorism in Kosovo has become an integral part of NATO's design. The present government of prime minister Hashim Thaci (a former KLA Commander), is an outgrowth of this reign of terror. It is not a government in the common sense of the word. It is remains a terrorist organization linked to organized crime. It is an instrument of the foreign occupation.

Posted on Fri Feb 29, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Wise man he must have quite rightly been. However, when something makes sense it's accepted immediately, and what you stated made sense to me.

@ Joe in Tennessee -- You said it! The weapons being used by the terrorists are Russian and the nuclear technology and its related materials are also being transferred by Russia. I fear and dread the day when people might start carrying nukes in their holsters and be quick on the draw against anyone or anything they don't like.

Posted on Thu Feb 28, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

As our imperial State Department has now decreed that Kosovo will never again be part of Serbia, do you not wonder from where such authority is derived? When did Serbs vote to give our State Department the right to decide for them and remove part of their country?

Do we now decree which countries may exist or not exist according to the wishes of our government or some group of governments?

Does anyone remember the neutral America of George Washington and James Madison?

Posted on Thu Feb 28, 2008

Joe in Tennessee writes:

@ Zharkov in U.S.A. --

"Why has the American government attempted to destroy relations with Russia with unwanted missile bases, approval of muslim terrorists to take Kosovo over, supporting the KLA despite their inclusion on lists of known terrorist organizations, and treating Serbia and Russia as enemies?"

Where do you get your information Z?

Putin started some 12 years ago in disregarding policies and agreements in a subversive manner. He has limited Human rights in disregard to the democratic promise made to the U.S. and his people. Free press and speech is now has to have the Stamp of approval of the Kremlin.

What about the second richest countries in the world paying back all the loans to the US which it defaulted on or were stolen? How about not selling weapons to the people shooting our soldiers or other countries trying to establish democracy? How about not stopping the indoctrination youth camps reminiscent of Hitler? How about lowering the PUBLIC THREATS made to the U.S.? How about NOT PURCHASING OIL with the Eurodollar in an attempt to devalue the U.S. economy?

The only person who is Polarizing is Putin and with the skill and intent of the outstanding KGB officer he was. He is using standard propaganda to make the US seem the enemy to RENATIONALIZE his countries people?and obviously, it is working.

Posted on Thu Feb 28, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ NB in Pakistan -- I recall that some wise man once proposed that all ideas go through three phases of acceptance.

First it is ridiculed, then it is violently opposed, then it becomes popular. Or some such....

In any case, thanks.

Posted on Thu Feb 28, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

Placing Russian nuclear missiles in Serbia sounds more like bullying than America's stance. The U.S. has been trying to be fair to both the Serbians & the Kosovians. That's how it clearly looks.

Posted on Wed Feb 27, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

What I would like to know is, why is the State Dept. bullying Russia around?

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia desperately wanted to become friends and a trading partner with the United States. Instead, we kicked dirt in their face, kept them out of trade conferences, surrounded them with NATO forces, and bombed their allies, invaded Serbia, and interfered with CIA-supported "Orange Revolutions." Now they've reached the point where Russia is talking about protecting Serbia with nuclear weapons. What the hell is wrong with our government?

Why has the American government attempted to destroy relations with Russia with unwanted missile bases, approval of muslim terrorists to take Kosovo over, supporting the KLA despite their inclusion on lists of known terrorist organizations, and treating Serbia and Russia as enemies? It would be nice if someone at the State Department could explain the reason for these apparently insane policies.
------------------
LONDON ? MI6 agents have monitored secret meetings between top Serbian officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin's anointed successor, Dmitry Medvedev, to discuss the installation of Russian nuclear missiles to contribute to what he told a Moscow election rally this weekend would "help to ensure Serbian security."

Posted on Wed Feb 27, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

@ Eric in New Mexico -- Reference Eric in New Mexico. Very well stated, I enjoyed reading it.

Posted on Wed Feb 27, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Joe in Tennessee -- Nicely put Joe, but I got a question on this here:

"That is a reality and the basic laws of physics do apply to politics as well...and are compounded."

Aye then, would that be Sir Newton's laws, the laws of thermodymamics, or Einstien's general relativity? Had to ask..(chuckle).

I think what we have here is a case of the human condition, as perspective or lack of factors into decision making.

Posted on Tue Feb 26, 2008

Joe in Tennessee writes:

QUOTE:Germany, France, America, and even the E.U., have no national interests involved over whether Kosovo is Serbia or not Serbia. The votes of these nations, or their approvals, should be as irrelevant as the votes of Canada or Mexico should be irrelevant to the independence of America. END QUTOE

People felt the same way about North Korea for a long time as well. The 'mouse that roared'...but in all the above statement is very poor. Even in Canada, trade laws, inter corporate relationships and political ties with foreign an array of countries including aid are all dependent on whom is elected many times. That is a reality and the basic laws of physics do apply to politics as well...and are compounded.

The world is a much more complicated place and what happens in one place WILL affect another in some manner or another at one time or another. The assurance of peace is dependent on many, not one yet the realization that each may affect a whole positively or negatively must be considered and paramount to International decision making policies.

Posted on Tue Feb 26, 2008

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Personally I think when folks settle down and start building their nations, we may very well eventually see something like a miniturized EU among the former Yugoslavic states, and how might one make a democrat out of a separatist?

By immersion in the process of governing.

Today one could say they are from Alsaise, in France, and folks generally won't recall that the region was fought over several times in the last hundred years, by parties laying claim to not just the land, but the people on it.

Let us endeavor not to repeat lessons from history.

The American Civil war is not a real good example to compare to in that it was mostly the economics involved in slavery that lead Southern states to break separate from the United States of America, when emancipation was proposed..and declared.

Long ago we fought ourselves, to determine the definition of freedom. Now we in America see the world fighting to determine what it means to them. It is said that freedom is never free, and perhaps Churchill was right when he said that, "Democracy is the worst form of government ever invented by man, save for all others."

But there are some advantages in the long run.

We the people don't generally worry about the checks and balances of government, as we are the ultimate hook for bad actors on stage.

We the people demand results, and policy changes accordingly if an incumbent wishes reelection.

We the people protest the unjust, as an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and our civil rights movement was an education for all, globally. Both our friends and detractors witnessed a nation moving in an ethical motion to better the human condition, and fully implement the notion that we the people are created equal.

And as a premise, this philosophy inherently extends to foreign policy intent and implementation.

So now one may properly understand why the U.S. gov. employs sanctions on leaders of governments that repress their people and deny their basic human rights. Indeed, even take up arms to protect the rights of others, globally.

We can encourage folks to learn from our mistakes forming a "more perfect union" or they may learn from their own, as circumstance dictates. History is littered with the bleached bones of ideologies that failed the people's "lemon test".

Folks will ultimately choose what works for them, and knowing this the U.S. government endeavors to promote the freedom of people to think for themselves, because democracy must be "of, by, and for the people", and chosen as a system of government by the people, of their free will.

Totalitarianism however, is always imposed upon the people. Whereas in a democracy, the people impose their will upon the government. We designed it that way from the start.

In my memories of Watergate, what made me proud to be witness to, was watching as the laws of this nation kept it intact, as the people demanded accountability.

So too, the debate about proper nation building requires that rule of law be the guide, history our teacher, and the free-born individual, our inspiration to others.

Freedom sells itself, so why do the naysayers of the world insist on being convinced? Let alone the terrorists, who already are, and it frightens them. I believe that whatever terrorizes a terrorist is a good thing, and should be encoraged, and sustained. They who create conflict to feed upon it should naturally fear peace among nations.

And from that one may see just a glimps of why I also believe that " Cowboy diplomacy " is not just dependant on the strength and temperament of the horse ridden, the job description is essentially all about mending fences and leading the heard to greener pastures. This is why the U.S. got involved in the Balkans as a part of NATO to begin with.

Change does not come without some wishing for the status quo. Inherently, change is viewed with suspicion, as a threat to culture and ways of tradition and ethical belief systems, and constitutes the makings of identity crisis on a political, and often nationalistic level on the global stage.

And so I can only offer this thought with my best regards to the good people of Serbia and Kosovo;

"We're all dysfunctional. Get over it already, so as to get on with the buisiness of nation building."

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

Reference SNP in Syria posting of Monday Feb-25. Please ask the Indians, they would certainly love to take back the land known as Pakistan together with its inhabitants and have even tried it three times. By the way, the Muslims worship the Almighty God of Abraham, the same God worshipped by Moses.
Bigotry will not bring about a peaceful world where all creatures could live in peace and harmony irrespective of the religion they follow, education will and that's what the great country the U.S. is trying to achieve. Let's chip in and help the U.S. reach the goal of a peaceful world. Bless you.

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

When we bombed Serbia, did we bomb the wrong side?
Maj-Gen. Lewis MacKenzie, now retired, commanded UN troops during the Bosnian civil war of 1992, thinks so. His article is worth reading, at:
http://globalresearch.ca/articles/MAC404A.html

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

Joe in Tennessee writes:

I'm afraid you will be seeing much more of this.

Polarization is taking place again and perhaps it is Putins indirect way of reacting to Kosovo and the fact American Troops may be sent there.

It is in classic OLD school methodolgy is it not?

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

Advocates of "democracy" should not be afraid to allow Serbia to vote on whether to split the country or not, and respect the Serb vote.

Germany, France, America, and even the E.U., have no national interests involved over whether Kosovo is Serbia or not Serbia. The votes of these nations, or their approvals, should be as irrelevant as the votes of Canada or Mexico should be irrelevant to the independence of America.

A credible State Department should not advocate the benefits of democracy only to reject democracy when it matters the most to the people involved. Imposing independence by force without a Serb national referendum on independence for Kosovo, is as undemocratic as a dictatorship could be.

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

SNP in Syria writes:

@NB in Pakistan -- The Indians were smart people they wanted nothing to do with Moslem Pakis except separate from them. They saved the Indian Nation and now Pakistan is just what it is, and what it supposed to be, just a STAN for more ignorant Moslems that have no honor and no dignity, just like the god they worship. India is thriving; it is already the U.S. biggest outsourcing country for high technology. India along with non-Moslem China is rising as the world�s number one economies. PAKI�s for the next few thousand generation will be infighting with Moslem warlords.

By the way, how do you find time to read and write on this blog, you must be missing your daily half dozen prayer sessions, bowing down in humiliation and touching the ground with your forehead in worship toward the House of Annat and Allat (Qaba). Or you are Christian, you are already saved by grace and now you can sin all your life for free. Assaulting SNP is not forgivable sin according to Mathew 13.4. If you are a Moslem you are only permitted to assault SNP on the first rising crescent, at dawn on April 21, otherwise, it is a sin (not Halal) and Allah will torture you with fire and brimstone.

Posted on Mon Feb 25, 2008

Yonaton in Florida writes:

Here is another little gem that should put things in perspective, if one is paying attention, that is.

Posted on Sun Feb 24, 2008

Yonaton in Florida writes:

Update to my previous comment...

Some good insights from Lubos Motl...

"I was thinking what is the main reason why so many Western countries so hastily support something so irresponsible, dangerous, and - in my opinion - unfair. My conclusion is that it is the media's fault. It seems that the Western media have been feeding their audiences with extremely oversimplified, biased, black-and-white, anti-Serbian, pro-Albanian stories from the Balkans. While one might hope that the audiences are not stupid to buy similar nonsense, the reality is different. Most of the audiences of course buy this crap. And many of them pay for it."

And, although his thesis, that the MSM is responsible, could explain why the average Westerner believes the Albanians should be supported over the Serbs, that doesn't explain why Western leaders make that error.

Posted on Sun Feb 24, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

It would make this world a better place if we educate the most ignorant of all people (reference to SNP in Syria posting).

Posted on Sun Feb 24, 2008

Kelsie in Texas writes:

The Serbian government needs to take definitive action to prevent this type of international travesty from occurring again. It would seem that Serbia, not Kosovo, is the source of unrest in the area at the moment.

Posted on Sun Feb 24, 2008

Yonaton in Florida writes:

Well, I don't approve of their tactics, but...

...I can't say I blame them, either. "NATO bombed the Serbs into the stone age in favor of Muslims based on lies, killed more civilians than the Serbs were alleged to have killed. Kosovo, their 'Jerusalem', has been stolen from them and given to the enemy (just as Co.Rice/Bush want to do to Israel in favor of the Placentinians[sic]), and http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_16_57/ai_n15333433">ongoing ethnic cleansing of Serbs by Muslims[Albanians] is being ignored by the 'peace keepers'." Only the Serbs are vilified, but their internal enemies get a free pass.

Kissinger "gets it". Why don't President Bush and Ms. Rice?

By giving Kosovo over to the Islamists, and using it as a model for how to rip out the heart of Biblical Israel as a gift to the so-called "Palestinians" (the point men of modern Islamic terror) the US is making grave errors for which we and the world will pay dearly.

The U.S. has lost its direction in the war against terror and has, inadvertently, become one of its most effective sponsors. The sane conservatives of the world http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/02/dr-eldad-on-the.html">see the battle for what it is, while the delusional throw fuel on the fire thinking that will put it out.

Posted on Sun Feb 24, 2008

Zhou in China writes:

This is a mistake on the world, even if it is a special and only. How do you operate Quebec Kurd Baluchi Basque Northern Ireland? Will they get a sample? Can you promise they do not aroused?

Posted on Sat Feb 23, 2008

Nikola in Cyprus writes:

Please, I would like to know if every nation that stays in other country has right to, by using drug smuggling to support arm buying and turn out against domestic country, create and vote for new country.

If YES, than I think many other regions in the world will go for independence.

If NO, than Kosova shouldn't be what it is now ... an un-independent country.

Posted on Sat Feb 23, 2008

NB in Pakistan,

Well stated, and a simple truth it be. I find it also true that those that accuse the US of being the "enemy of Islam" are themselves the greatest threat to the global umma, to the core values of a peaceful religion, and to peace, prosperity, and hope in general.

In this context, I wonder what your thoughts would be on the effect of US humanitarian aid to Pakistan in the aftermath of the earthquake, was upon the people's attitude towards US presence in the region?

It is unfortunate that such reactionary and criminal behavior was not placed in check by responsible leadership preemptively to Kosevo's declaration of independence, knowing full well the Serbian people's attitude towards those that made the declaration possible.

Folks with the embassy did their jobs very well under trying circumstance. They have this citizen's thanks for their service as well.

Posted on Sat Feb 23, 2008

Ralph in Greece writes:

Now these same type of troublemakers are planning a protest against the American Embassy in Athens, Greece on Saturday.

Posted on Sat Feb 23, 2008

Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:

Suppose an ethnic minority, let's call them "Mexicans", sneek into your country and settle in a geographic area we call "California", and after a massive crime wave affecting the the residents of the area, they declare Southern California to be an independent nation. Let's further assume that the native residents of California are outraged by the sheer arrogance of these Mexicans and let's say that Mexico's government supports their demand for independence. Would anyone be surprised that the Mexican embassy might soon be under attack by angry citizens trying to burn it down?

Would it matter that the EU fully approves and supports dividing California to form a new country? This scenario is just one of many, of which President Putin said is a two ended stick that will someday hit us on the head. A bad precedent? Absolutely.

President Lincoln fought a war to block the independence of the Confederate States of America. America is lucky that the CSA had no real support from abroad. Do we really want to overturn the precedent set by the Civil War?

When the Russia's government decides to support the movement of Reconquista of America's Southwest, as does the Mexican government, would the US react calmly when hispanic Californians declare themselves to be an independent nation?

Posted on Sat Feb 23, 2008

SNP in Syria writes:

Serbs should abandon Muslim Kosovan, you loose some acreage, but you save your nation by keeping the most ignorant of people out of your country.

Posted on Fri Feb 22, 2008

NB in Pakistan writes:

Most shocking picture of attack on U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. Thanks be to the Almighty God that everyone is safe and accounted for. Here, if I may, I would like to draw the attention of the people who label America as an "Enemy of Islam" that the U.S. has suffered this attack as a result of helping the Muslims of Kosovo. I would also like to call upon my fellow Muslims to join me in thanking the U.S. THANK YOU AMERICA!

Posted on Fri Feb 22, 2008

Ronald in New York writes:

The Serb reaction represents a refusal to accept the inevitable emergence of rule-of-law, democratic and free elections, and peace and security in the New Kosovo.

Today, Undersecretary Burns took a great deal of time and effort to describe the USG's intentions support the independence of Kosovo and the future for EU membership. Serbs, and others would see this movement destroyed, Partly, because a transparent and secure Kosovo would mean an end to a history of crime, corruption and violent control.

Posted on Fri Feb 22, 2008

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