Arlind V. Bytyqi
And at all times, when foreign intervention was necessary, it meant more than an attempt to smoothen things. It meant presence in an area where influential policy could be made from, an area which ensured political existence and power to whoever set foot there.
In the end of the 90’s, when NATO launched a military campaign in a humanitarian intervention against Slobodan Milosevic in an attempt to save ethnic Albanians from murder and ethnic cleansing, it was made clear who was going to become the next ‘strangers’ in the area. It was the West, not the East. This Western presence has been successfully maintained throughout all this time, due to its policies and the latter’s conformity with the interests of the people of the Balkan region (emphasis: Kosovo). Russia, deliberately trying to set foot in Kosovo right after the military campaign was over, was met by opposition by the very ones who had bombed Milosevic out of Kosovo. Its influence in the region and more precisely in Kosovo ever since, has been minimal and almost non-existent.
Things changed just a couple of years ago and reached a climax after Kosovo’s declaration of independence in February this year. Russia stuck its head out again and reaffirmed its willingness to be part of developments in the Balkans. This was portrayed by many as the country’s solidarity with their Orthodox brothers in Serbia; however, reality shows this was not quite true. Since the end of the Cold War, Russia was always seen as the loser dog with its tail hidden between its legs. Kosovo and all that was happening there, was seen as the one, major, can’t-let-go opportunity to reassert some old power left from the communist era. And it happened. With its firm opposition towards Kosovo’s independence, Russia has shown the world that it has a say and that must be heard. But it is obvious that this kind of influence is limited to inter-regional affairs. Russia’s success in gaining a foothold in political developments in Kosovo could have come out of respect by the Western powers as opposed to any other factor.
The most recent confrontation between the West and the East, more specifically between the United States of America and Russia, came just days ago when President Bush informed the public about his decision to supply Kosovo with arms. As if it was some sort of a game, Russia’s Putin answered back by saying they would offer relief aid to Kosovo’s Serb minority. To the logic of an uneducated person on world politics, especially when Russia is involved, this would sound as a two layered process: one where the U.S. is trying to fuel conflict by giving arms to people, and the other where Russia is doing the opposite by offering relief aid. But, since everybody knows Russia, it’s clear that this is not the case, even though it might have been Russia’s hidden agenda.
Now, which of the two superpowers has a better chance at establishing long-term control in the region? One which is acting in terms of military or the other which is acting in a ‘humanitarian’ manner? Truth is, this shouldn’t be looked from this prism. External influence and presence in the Balkans was established during NATO’s intervention, when Uncle Sam & Co. pointed the finger at Milosevic telling him he was out. And the other truth is that Russia does not really care about Serbia. This is a bigger political game, aiming for Russia to get itself closer to its long gone synonym of an influential power in the international arena, as well as its need to make itself present, not in the Balkans solely, but throughout Europe and beyond. Serbia is right to find comfort in having been on Russia’s way towards gaining back some authority in world matters where big guys meet, drink coffee and sign papers. One thing is for sure: Russia is not interested in adopting another enfant problématique, for it already has a number of them. So Serbia should stop looking at ‘Mother Russia’, turn the other direction and start looking at the other ‘mother’: Europe. The Balkans is in Europe and the West is in the Balkans already, so guess: Uncle Sam or Russia?
By Arlind V. Bytyqi
In the end of the 90’s, when NATO launched a military campaign in a humanitarian intervention against Slobodan Milosevic in an attempt to save ethnic Albanians from murder and ethnic cleansing, it was made clear who was going to become the next ‘strangers’ in the area. It was the West, not the East. This Western presence has been successfully maintained throughout all this time, due to its policies and the latter’s conformity with the interests of the people of the Balkan region (emphasis: Kosovo). Russia, deliberately trying to set foot in Kosovo right after the military campaign was over, was met by opposition by the very ones who had bombed Milosevic out of Kosovo. Its influence in the region and more precisely in Kosovo ever since, has been minimal and almost non-existent.
Things changed just a couple of years ago and reached a climax after Kosovo’s declaration of independence in February this year. Russia stuck its head out again and reaffirmed its willingness to be part of developments in the Balkans. This was portrayed by many as the country’s solidarity with their Orthodox brothers in Serbia; however, reality shows this was not quite true. Since the end of the Cold War, Russia was always seen as the loser dog with its tail hidden between its legs. Kosovo and all that was happening there, was seen as the one, major, can’t-let-go opportunity to reassert some old power left from the communist era. And it happened. With its firm opposition towards Kosovo’s independence, Russia has shown the world that it has a say and that must be heard. But it is obvious that this kind of influence is limited to inter-regional affairs. Russia’s success in gaining a foothold in political developments in Kosovo could have come out of respect by the Western powers as opposed to any other factor.
The most recent confrontation between the West and the East, more specifically between the United States of America and Russia, came just days ago when President Bush informed the public about his decision to supply Kosovo with arms. As if it was some sort of a game, Russia’s Putin answered back by saying they would offer relief aid to Kosovo’s Serb minority. To the logic of an uneducated person on world politics, especially when Russia is involved, this would sound as a two layered process: one where the U.S. is trying to fuel conflict by giving arms to people, and the other where Russia is doing the opposite by offering relief aid. But, since everybody knows Russia, it’s clear that this is not the case, even though it might have been Russia’s hidden agenda.
Now, which of the two superpowers has a better chance at establishing long-term control in the region? One which is acting in terms of military or the other which is acting in a ‘humanitarian’ manner? Truth is, this shouldn’t be looked from this prism. External influence and presence in the Balkans was established during NATO’s intervention, when Uncle Sam & Co. pointed the finger at Milosevic telling him he was out. And the other truth is that Russia does not really care about Serbia. This is a bigger political game, aiming for Russia to get itself closer to its long gone synonym of an influential power in the international arena, as well as its need to make itself present, not in the Balkans solely, but throughout Europe and beyond. Serbia is right to find comfort in having been on Russia’s way towards gaining back some authority in world matters where big guys meet, drink coffee and sign papers. One thing is for sure: Russia is not interested in adopting another enfant problématique, for it already has a number of them. So Serbia should stop looking at ‘Mother Russia’, turn the other direction and start looking at the other ‘mother’: Europe. The Balkans is in Europe and the West is in the Balkans already, so guess: Uncle Sam or Russia?
By Arlind V. Bytyqi
arlindvb [at] newkosovareport.com
Comments (13)
Mike Z
said:
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... Russia - a superpower ? I guess you can say that if you are referring to their nuclear weapons from the early 70's ! Guess what ? - If they tried to launch one of their rusty weapons against the U.S. , It would be blown out of the sky and probably land on the Kremlin - No Doubt ! If your talking about it's fuel generating capabilities - I'd say that russia is just on the brink of feeding it's own people and not asking for more food aid from the U.S. ! At this point in time , Russia has discovered that , power = money . They are trying desperately to project to the world an image of a country that is just as strong if not stronger then it was during communist times! Russia forgets that back then they had their whole country working for them . Russian citizens didn't own anything . The Russian state owned their citizens ! Those days are over now , which in turn means they will never see those days again , although they still try by killing their own journalists and selling old weapons to Americas enemies etc... I think a couple of major U.S. highways collect more money in tolls then Russia is making from their oil and gas interests. As far as I'm concerned , Russia is an empty threat to the world , Kind of like a Dr. Evil or a bad bluffer at the poker table ! They can kiss my American ass ! |
Tringa
said:
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... All this talk about Russia's oil reserve is making me laugh. The country which is already a rich country but will soon be, in less than 30 years the RICHEST country in the world is Canada - because they have the biggest supply of oil on the planet. In this century other countries will start to depend on Canada's oil for survival. I am just stating that Russia is actually poor and cannot even take care of their own population which consists of alcoholics and orphans. Russia should simply focus on how to govern their country in a proper way, before they can begin to remotely start to interrogate themselves in Europe - which by the way their interrogation is not needed anyways. |
Gent Prokshi
said:
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... Most importantly, the NIS deal came bundled with a plan for Russia to construct the intermediate leg of its 550-mile South Stream pipeline project through Serbia. Carrying nearly 2.6 trillion gallons of natural gas a year to Europe from the Black Sea through Bulgaria, South Stream would force Serbia to rely on Russia for fuel supplies. The pipeline would also cement Russia's control over the European market. The EU and the United States, hoping to blunt the Russian monopoly over the European energy market, plan to build a pipeline, known as the Nabucco project, to bring Caspian fuel from Azerbaijan through Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. South Stream would hobble such aspirations and cut out U.S. allies like Turkey and Romania. Its northern sister, the Nord Stream project, would bring fuel under the Baltic Sea directly to Germany, allowing Russia to cut off supplies to Central European states without interrupting supplies to their more economically and politically powerful counterparts in the West. Together, these projects would give Russia even greater control over the European energy market. Gazprom attempted to pressure Ukraine by shutting off gas for three days in early 2006; despite assurances from Gazprom, Western customers experienced reduced supply undermining the company's attempt to strong-arm Kiev on behalf of Moscow. The Stream pipeline projects would let Russia play a game of divide-and-conquer, allowing Gazprom to pressure one country at a time if Moscow desired a higher price or wished to exert political pressure. Without Serbian cooperation, Russia would be forced to rely on more pro-Western states such as Romania. And without Serbia, Russia might not be able to head off Nabucco, which represents the greatest Western threat to Russia's energy strategy. Russian opposition to Kosovo's independence ensures that Serbia will continue serving as the linchpin in Russian plans. A Europe dominated economically and politically by Russia cannot stand up to Kremlin sponsorship of autocrats in Eastern Europe and Central Asia or Russian foot-dragging on international sanctions against an Iranian arms program. Building a safer, freer world will demand a comprehensive response. |
bluerose799
said:
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... The Indo-European languages include Albanian language, Greek language, Slavic language but there is not any Macedonian language. Ancient chronics document that, the Dardanian King Bardhyll (BARDH YLL )-(WHITE STAR), was involved in a battle against Macedonian King Faruk (Alexander the Great Father). Dardanian didn’t win but was not destroyed either. What languages were speaking those two armies? Based on the name of Dardanian King Bardhyll (White Star), there is no doubt Dardanian were speaking Albanian then Illyrian language. If he will be speaking Serbian, or Slavic Macedonian his name will be Bela Zvezda. It is not true his name was not Bela zvezda his name was Bardh yll. What language was speaking Macedonian army under the King Faruk. We know for sure what language was speaking the King’s son. Alexander the Great. There is no doubt the son speaks the father’s language. When Alexander the Great was dying, one of his close friends asked him. Alexander to whom are you going to leave the Empire? The answer was. TO THE STRONGEST. He said this word in pure Greek language. This is very well documented. Nowadays Macedonians speak a Slavic language more similar to Bulgarian, and one third speak Illyrian with dialect GEGE. The Slavic Macedonians can’t pretend speaking Macedonian they speak a language similar to Bulgarian with differences only in the frame of different dialect of the same language, which is similar to Ukrainian to. Modern Macedonians are a nation without a distinct language, they speak Slavic Ukrainian Their lays, pretending to be autochthon in the land are only Fanatic Nationalist Fantasy. After lying for more than 1300 years, now it is the time for them to face the reality. They came in Balkan on the 6th century A.D from Ukraine replacing Thracians and Illyrian in a violent way. Actually those people are weak and are surrounded by stronger neighbors, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece armed with Leopard 2 heavy tanks, fighter jets F-16 and more. The small Albania is stronger than Macedonia to. Many interests overlap over Macedonia and this nation was a receipt for trouble. This is the reason why the Global Financial Oligarchy (Globalists) put their hands there, since the beginning. To find who they are refer to: En Route to Global Occupation: Gary H. Kah: Books. And you can find the World reorganized on 10 regions, published by Club of Rome 1973, here: http://i25.tinypic.com/2qcffo5.gif These things are not games, they are for real. Now they are working on region 2 and region 7. They can’t control the region 10. In the beginning region 5 was dismembered. Russia vent down and turned in shambles, but not anymore. Putin’s Russia changed from e former military superpower in an energetic superpower. They control 16 % of oil export and soon this figure will be 27%. Their economy increase fast, GDP totaled 2 trillion dollars and increases. Europe is dependent on their raw materials. The point is the One Government World is not going to happen for some time. To be more realistic in the years to come the world will be bipolar. Balkans will be incorporated in the E U. We are particles of sand in a big SAND STORM. PEACE. |
rosebud
said:
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... @ Ronald "Like it or not, the EU is completly dependent on russian gas and this ain't gonna change for the next 50 years." Like it or not EU is aware of Russian blackmail policies and is investing heavily on new technologies. While Russia, just like Serbia, is trying to revive its glories long gone... |
Alban Bytyci
said:
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... I thought your analysis was quite accurate and I congratulate you. I think both Kosova and Serbia are in the way of the big powers and I think Serbia still needs to take some "Good Neighbourly Relation" course and let people get on with it. Serb leaders are once again proving to be as stupid as their predecessors but this time around their stupidity is being understood as such and no one is giving way to their stupid claims. Alban London |
Ronald
said:
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... @Gent Prokshi Any country that has enough nuclair weapos to destroy the world more tha 100 times is an superpower, like it or not. Ever heard off the the Tsar Bomba??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsar_Bomba You cannot dismiss Russia as an superpower just because it's not (yet!!) as rich as the west, if the oil and gas export keeps this pace, russia will soon be very very rich, and remember, within 10 years russia dictates the terms to the EU because if the EU doesn't do what Russia wants, Russia simply turn's off the Gas deliveries making it very cold in very large parts off europe. Like it or not, the EU is completly dependent on russian gas and this ain't gonna change for the next 50 years. |
Araz
said:
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... There is no more European perspective to the Balkan question. Europe has failed, instead of inviting Serbia and Kosovo to join as a single democratically orientated unit it has chosen to break international law for the sake of NATO's cold war inspired fear of Russia. Serbia has always been Russia's foothold in the Balkans and that is why Russia wont abandon her now. When you say that Russia acts out of her own intrests you are correct. That is how every nation acts, and at the moment it is in Russias intrest to follow international law (untill it is not in her intrest). How we act in the west now on this issue will define how we are treated in the future what we compromise now for political expediency will return to haunt us when we are weaker and the east is stronger. The only thing that has kept the peace between the great powers since the last world war is the UN the more that is ignored or sidelined or seen to be the more we risk another large conflict. When you say that it is uncle Sam or Russia you are incorrect we are being forced!! to chose sides and to polerise because it is in NATO and Russia's interest for that to happen. What remains is that whatever happens in the Balkans now it will benefit them and will mean disaster after disaster for the Balkans. |
E.Nicon
said:
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... This is typical Russian behavior. Do they realize by allying themselves with Serbia they might as well have said "Hitler was right". I know that's an overexaggeration, but my point is Russia is continuing its stereotype as the bad guy by supporting a nationalist and unreasonable country like Serbia. Think of the respect Russia would receive on the World Stage if they had lectured Serbia and recognized Kosovo. |
Gent Prokshi
said:
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... Russia is not a super power. What are you talking about? A country with 79 million people living under extreme poverty....It's economy is mainly relied on gas, oil and other natural resources. Russia's economy hardly produces anything. A few russians have become rich while the rest live in subhuman conditions. There is no such thing as middle class in Russia. Russia's birthrate is below zero. Russia will never influence the politics of the Balkans anymore. |
rosebud
said:
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... Although you are right about Russia not having an interest on another "problem kid" I think that they have forced themselves into the Balkans for the reasons mentioned above and they can not let go as easy as the west might hope. Russia's only strategy was to set foot in Serbia and to achieve that they will continue supporting "their serb brothers". Their political moves and statements clearly support Kostunica and we know what he stands for. They way things are developing one could easily imagine missile bases on the Kosova/Serbia border in the next 20 years. The only possible exit for Russia is if Medvedev announces a shift in Russian policy toward Balkans and if EU stands to its name and unites itself at last. Russia's strength in relation to Kosova grew with the disunity among the EU member states and this will continue to be the case as long as the rest of EU does not understand why Kosovas independence is important. |
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