Too little and probably too late… | B92 Blog http://blog.b92.net/blog/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Andrew Beaumont sr http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss rss@b92.net rss@b92.net Blog A-JE! RSS generator v0.3 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:53:07 +0000 http://blog.b92.net/user_stuff/avatars/mali/964/6964.jpg Andrew Beaumont http://blog.b92.net/ 50 50 Survival http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k179341
It is my forecast that within a short time the northern portion of Kosovo will declare independence and therefore again destabilize the region. Other areas will soon follow Kosovo adding to the already unstable global environment. ]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:36:52 GMT Dale http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Opinion http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k178226 blog I have translated an interview with Peter Feith - the new international overlord of Kosovo - in a Dutch newspaper. When asked about Kosovo's Serbs feeling not safe he says "maybe they are safer than they feel". He puts the blame for the lack of returns of Serb refugees on Serbia.

So you may be right to suspect that things will become worse. ]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:13:11 GMT Wim Roffel http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Vive le Kosovo libre! http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k177020
qalam96

The father of U.S. independence said it best in 1776:

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.


One century after that, those People mentioned in your quote defended the government they made by that document by waging war against parts of their own country that wanted to secede (American Civil War). Right of oppressed colony to get rid of foreign colonial power is quite different than the "right" to secede integral part of one country.
Nations have the right to be independent and form their governments, but Albanian people already gained independence and instituted their government - they had their Declaration of independence in 1912...
You are trying to link two similar but different things: right to be independent from colonial government (which is undisputed and even protected and guaranteed by international law) with right to secede territories (which is very much disputed and forbidden by international law)...

]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:56:11 GMT blejach http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Re:Nsarski: X files http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176419 http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 10:12:53 GMT nsarski http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re:Nsarski: X files http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176364 Now seriously I have no idea. I came to this conclusion based on the solutions IC applied in the Balkans leaving a lot of space for instability and relapses. ]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:16:31 GMT Innana http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: rational vs. common sense http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176350
unless as I pointed out someone wishes for the Balkans to remain a constant source of instability for Europe.

Any guess who that "someone" might be?
And, btw, keep on writing - I like your style:)))
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:35:18 GMT nsarski http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Opinion http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176292 The first big challenge for them is not to push the Serbian community too far, as they are planning to do, since this may backfire and they may end up having a big headache. I do not see how on earth they think to overcome the Serbian boycott and the negative relationship they would have with us.
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:53:54 GMT Innana http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Vive le Kosovo libre! http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176260 The father of U.S. independence said it best in 1776:

...

From the Canadian province of Québec, where the struggle for self-determination and sovereignty is still on the march to its utimate realization, I pray for the success of the Kosovars, in sha' Allah.
It was very visionary to say this in 1776! ]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:20:01 GMT MilutinM http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Vive le Kosovo libre! http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k176252
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

From the Canadian province of Québec, where the struggle for self-determination and sovereignty is still on the march to its utimate realization, I pray for the success of the Kosovars, in sha' Allah.

Vive le Kosovo; vive le Kosovo libre! ]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:16:01 GMT qalam96 http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Opinion http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175831
it should be stupid to say that I understand you. I may try, but... I have been to Kosovo so many times and spoke with many people, but there is difference between to hear and to live.

Some people stated that EU mission came to Kosovo to replace UNMIK, which didn't fulfill the task. I am not sure about their capacities to do it.
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:16:04 GMT MilutinM http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: Opinion http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175814 http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:05:07 GMT Innana http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Opinion http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175799
For us, Serbs, the case will be closed pretty soon. Whatever we may try to do. It should be good to find a way to protect the people there and spare them from another tragic development. But, the International Community will have things to work on for long time. The question of my close colleague was very clear: how long shall the IC have to provide financial and any other support to Kosovo? He thinks that it will be the same case like Palestine. A hole without end. There is little chances for sustainable life (economic wise) on both places. So, money has to come for long time. And if it stops, the problems just pop-up. Is IC ready for this? Have they considered the consequences?

PS Mr. Beaumont, can you please next time split the text in some paragraphs, to allow easier reading?
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:57:04 GMT MilutinM http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ too little and probably too late http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175785 http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:45:49 GMT oblutak http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Re: rational vs. common sense http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175742 This is why in the case of Kosovo the International Community should have used much more prudent approach; should have tried to find a Solomon solution or one close to it, unless as I pointed out someone wishes for the Balkans to remain a constant source of instability for Europe.
The way I see the situation: things are going to get worse before they can get better. The first huge challenge is an attempt to integrate the North into Kosovan framework which would eventually lead to secession of the North. Not that I think that this is a good idea but this is the only way out from the stalemate situation. Any pressure applied to the North would lead towards violence and very strong resistance from the Northerners. I am not sure is the EU mission ready to sink in their teeth so deep?
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:15:56 GMT Innana http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ rational vs. common sense http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175713
What makes this hard for the untrained is that most of the politics today works by systematic obscuring of the mechanisms, exactly for the reason of making it less vulnerable.

What evolved as the cheapest way to govern in the last few centuries is mass indoctrination with notions like "god", "democracy", "justice" etc. The thing works like a charm, as most subjects get caught in one of these and will gladly sacrifice some money, time, and, in cases of terminal infection, life.

In the meantime, the mechanics of politics work as they always did (see the reference manual.)

Serbia lost the war because its leaders were too dumb to win it. The current empire won the war. There is loot, and in this case it happens to be Kosovo, and the winner gets it. Period. Empire would be out of its mind, and its taxpayers should justifiably revolt, if the the successful military victory is not rewarded with spoils. The fact that some countries with no might to speak of object is irrelevant.

At this base level, no one gives a flying fuck for justice, truth, democracy, law etc etc. - those things are used to manage own subjects. So any discussion along the lines of "reality contradicts with what propaganda burned into my brain" is pointless and will not offer any solution, perhaps some masochistic righteous wallowing in the own grief.

The only thing Serbia could do is raise the stakes and attempt possibly suicidal conquest of the loot in question. Perhaps, like Milosevic, serbian rulers are evaluating how far would the empire go to keep it, and in few days we'll know the results of that evaluation. What audience countries think is truly irrelevant.

]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:01:53 GMT Soylent Green http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/ Too many questions http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#k175667 O I did ask all those fine diplomats in fine suits all these questions, but all of them avoided to answer.

First of all why are they pushing all these years for independence when even children know this will destabilize the Balkans? There were so many creative and more wise solutions to be sought and yet the International Community seems (at a first glance) to be blind and dumb. The experience taught me that everything is done because of an interest. So let us think whose interests in the EU are served by having a long term crisis in the Balkans? Is it EU or USA?

Second, the independence of Kosovo is not sustainable. So Kosovo is the orphan International Community adopted, one that needs huge investments to remain afloat. This brings me to question No 3.

3. Why are they in such a hurry when none of the standards are fulfilled? One of the most important is surely Rule of Law. Without rule of law any investment is futile, because all of us know the level of corruption in Kosovo and how the money intended for a project disappears.
4.What strikes me the most is that UNMIK did nothing all these years, nothing that would really make a difference. They did not even bother to really implement Resolution 1244, and nobody can convince me in the opposite, when I am a true insider. Of course all the thing the International Community done in 8 years is just make-up and nothing else, just superficial. When they transferred the competences to PISG they did not bother to really supervise and monitor the development, including OSCE. So the summary is very grim.
]]> http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/#komentari Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:30:59 GMT Innana http://blog.b92.net/text/2245/Too%20little%20and%20probably%20too%20late%E2%80%A6/