Arlind V. Bytyqi

Russian Federation’s political atmosphere is unlikely to revolutionize, given the fact that Medvedev’s ‘guru’ will not step away from state affairs. Putin seems to have been plotting this move for a long time: refreshing state posts to let out sparks of change, which in reality reflects no change at all. Being a Premier, Putin ensures himself the same power as he held as president. His voice will come out of Medvedev’s mouth, whereas the latter will have no voice at all.

As pessimistic as things may seem, one is always inclined to adopt a positive approach towards developments and the future itself. The Balkans, just like the entire civilized world, is eager to see a twist in the way Russia looks at it. With Kosovo a Republic recognized by the U.S. and the majority of E.U. states and more, this part of Europe will be at the top of Russian foreign policy topics. What is needed is a less hard-core stance towards Kosovo’s move of independence. What is needed, if not recognition, is for Russia not to block Kosovo’s efforts in joining international organizations, including the U.N. itself. Medvedev can ensure this, at the same time - since he has to - preserving Putin’s attitudes. The new president has to espouse a presidential position, which is dubious with Putin just one floor below. Changing Russia’s approach towards global issues, including Kosovo, is a gradual process which will require time. If nothing else, time’s all Medvedev has got. In case he is in no position to immediately alter Russia’s political scene, he can slowly work on assuming more friendly reactions with respect to global matters of mutual concern. In regards to Kosovo, he can and should initiate a course of action of ‘non-blocking’ of processes that Kosovo will go through. This would enable Kosovo to move forward towards complete integration into international institutions. And eventually, it will lead to a formal recognition in the future.

Traditional allies with Russia, Serbia has found a great backer in the East. They have recently worked very close with each other in opposing Kosovo’s independence. Serbia’s position has been empowered by this fact. A change in Russia’s foreign policy will show Serbia that there is a new reality in the ground, and that it has to accept it. All Balkan countries have to come to terms with the fact that they belong to Europe, and closer ties with it mean prosperity for their people. Isolationist movements like the recent anti-E.U. resolution proposed by Serbia’s Radical Party are not in the interest of the region.

A different-looking Russia will release a radiance of changes in the entire world, in terms of how differences between her and other nations can be bridged. No one expects Medvedev to be the West’s ‘little kid’. He must prove that he is not a middle man that can be tossed around whenever others want. It is hoped that he will come within reach of problems of Putin’s legacy in a constructive manner. Tensions with the West and the nose stuck into Balkan affairs are key elements that Medvedev will have to address. The former, if not taken care of properly, may lead to a world scale conflict, whereas the latter should be left alone as it is being used for pure political purposes, not interests.

The Balkans sees its future with Europe. Any help that comes from outside aiding it to get there is of interest to the region and the world at large. On the other hand, foreign penetration aiming at causing unrest and shattering interests and democracy in the Balkans is unacceptable. It is left to hope that Russia’s new president will, once and for good, change the way the West and the East look at each other, with the Balkans caught in between.

By Arlind V. Bytyqi, Geneva - CH 

Comments (4)

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Ard Morina said:

... Fillip, Referring to your reply: I’m not going to comment on the way you portray W.Bush, Blair and Sarkozy, as your statements are quite lowly expressed, and they do say a lot about your “views” on the subject matter. It should be noted, though, that Russia’s economic growth is due to its large natural gas resources. If you say that it needed a Putin (by Putin I mean him and his loyals) to manage them, then there lie our fundamental differences. In that case we shall see the long term benefits of a state that is centralized in its economic, political, and even social aspects. Considering the reality I described, I expect not much of a change!

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March 11, 2008
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Garfield said:

	... true, all that's left is to hope...however, it's not very certain that much will change. you looked at it from a nice-angle though. peace.
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March 10, 2008
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Filipp Kashuro said:

... First of all I would like to point out a simple matter for Ard Morina; The elections were “predictabe” because Russians as people are finally united. We see a future of economic growth, freedom and prosperity in the eyes of Putin and Medvedev, and we trust them in all decisions they make. To make a statement suggesting anything else is a sign of typical Western ignorance. Russia is becoming a superpower again, and the West still can’t get their fingers down after being so used to pointing at the USSR as the big bad wolf. Hopefully, when George W. Bush, Blair, Sarkozy and other fascistic bastards are long forgotten, and new, younger and more open-minded leaders emerge, we will see a new world where stereotypes and prejudices are no longer a common sight. Secondly, I must point out that Russia will recognize Kosova as a free, independent state. But it will take time. Reason for this is the threat of the Domino Effect, that can cross over to the Russian Federation and cause several minor selv-governing republics to break out, something Russia certainly don’t need at the moment. Now, to what made me write a comment here in the first place. Mr. Bytyqi wrote a fantastic article in my eyes. This is journalism at its best! Keeping a mostly neutral side while bringing out facts and common views, and in the same time keeping an optimistic view of the surrounding world. What really caught my eye was that Arlind didn’t forget that Russia is Russia, and that Medveded must show himself as a strong leader, in some ways opposing the West to keep a balance. I could only wish that Western journalists wrote articles like this. I personally have always supported the independence of Kosova, and supported its people the best way I could. I find the Kosovars a very open-minded people, a brave people and a people of honour and principles. This is why I sincerely believe that everything will come to order in time, and the Eastern Europeans will feel like brothers again, in stead of dividing into beliefes and territorial disputes. I wish you all the best. Mirë i pachë per gjitmo!

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March 10, 2008
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Ard Morina said:

... Russia has an autocratic society that allows little or no civil input. This has been the case for centuries, and unfortunately, will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. This means that the nationalistic political elite that is currently established, is not going to allow any factor that might undermine the “voice” of Russia in the world. Kosova has become a great tool that can be used in this process. A Russia that continuously violates international law will continue to accuse the West of having done so with the recognition of Kosova’s independence, whether it be under Putin or Medvedev (Putin’s extended arm.) Russia’s recent elections were so predictable that its foreign policy is unlikely to change.

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March 08, 2008
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