DrEntropy.. it shows your ignorance of the region. The people that have lived there for longer than the US has been around are hardworking industriall loyal and patriotic - regardless of which side of the border they're on- they know more about what it is like to be trampled on and to be victorious by fighting their own fights.. and how can you begrudge any nation of people who in the face of potential war, whose people have already suffered and been killed as in Bosnia and Croatia, would declare for democracy and freedom?

The Kosovo situation is an interesting study in USA/arab relations. For whatever reason - probably the fact that they were being exterminated by the thousands - the Kosovars were deemed to be 'good' Arabs, and the Clinton administration intervened on their behalf. 10 years later, American troops are still the backbone of the NATO peace-keeping force which is every bit as bogged down as forces in Iraq. Who knows what will come of the new country?

Great.  Another gang of hoodlums get to be "statesmen"

Just what the Balkans needs-another dysfunctional Rhode Island-sized state whose main exports are guns, drugs, and prostitutes.  Ridiculous how the media framed the war as evil Serbsssss vs. freedom loving Kosovinians-and Americans bought it.  The Balkans is one of those places where there are no good guys-just bad guys, worse guys and dead guys.  This may be the first state in history that owes its existence to a small-time crook from Brooklyn.

This is probably one of the few times in my lifetime that new countries have been created.

The Bush Administration is starting to make Jimmy Carter's hapless and hopeless crew seem like philosopher kings.  In order to satisfy a gaggle of criminals in Saudi Arabia, who happen to wear their laundry on their heads, the USA has recognized the independence of Kosovo. This establishes a base for Al Queda in the heart of Europe.  Besides being a new base for Islamic extremists, this new "country" provides cover for a nest of terrorists, drug smugglers, and just plain criminals.

I thought it was bad enough when the Clinton administration aided Moslem fighters provided by Osama bin Laden to fight the Serbs who once owned Kosovo, and are now being driven out. The Bush Administration makes Clinton look moderate in the area.

Mark old Genghis' words on this one, ye learned members of the RIA.

 It has already occured at the official time of 15:15 on Feb. 17, 2008.

To see that this has occured, it was a landmark for all nations that favor their independnce. To hear news that there was a war to keep Kosovo and Montenegro in the former Yugoslavia's hands (Serbia) was saddening when American forces were involved and many perished to fight for their rights to govern themselves. Kosovo is thanking USA mightily by waving its flag along with theirs and Albania's. Though I can agree that separatists in the country of Georgia and Russia will rise when they hear the news, this independence was good because rights were taken away from that region, including the freedom to speak the dominantly used world language-English. (It is one official language there.)

I hope they establish a constitution quickly and enjoy permanent self government. Wish them well.