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Alternative News on Kosovo

Our picks of insightful news and analysis of the Kosovo crisis. Updated three days a week.

July 23

CIA had accurate maps after all
The CIA was "pressed into service" to choose a target for NATO's bombing campaign because the Pentagon was essentially running out of things to bomb, reports the LOS ANGELES TIMES. Its one bombing pick, as we know, resulted in the apparently accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy. However, it was revealed yesterday that after the bombing, the CIA "found maps in its files that showed the embassy in its new location." Speaking before the House Intelligence Committee, CIA director George J. Tenet and Deputy Defense Secretary John Hamre both accepted responsibility for the mistakes that led to the bombing.

The KLA: Not playing by the rules
According to THE WASHINGTON POST, the KLA missed an important deadline for turning in its weapons. NATO, not surprisingly, downplayed the news and gave the rebels another 48 hours to deliver the first portion of their weapons to NATO-controlled stockades. In an interestingly oblique statement, Lt. Gen. Michael Jackson said "[KLA military leader] Gen. Ceku wishes to be able to give me his personal assurance that the [KLA] ... has compiled." The disarmament accord signed by NATO and the KLA stipulates that all of the group's long-barreled and automatic weaponry be surrendered by Sept. 22.

July 21

Kosovo near utter anarchy
The Independent reports that Liberal Democratic leader Paddy Ashdown, who is on a fact-finding mission to Kosovo, believes that Kosovo could soon slide into total anarchy. Though he downplayed reports of a humanitarian crisis, Ashdown said that peacekeeping troops may not be effective at keeping order in the province.

US troops in Kosovo: A day in the life
The Christian Science Monitor writes a "day in the life" of American troops trying to prevent anarchy in Kosovo -- peacekeeping protocol, biggest threats, etc.

Macedonian President opposes Kosovo independence
Stratfor has a short piece reporting that Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov opposes Kosovar independence outside of the Yugoslav Federation. He also argues that Slobodon Milosevic cannot remain President of Yugoslavia.

July 19

Ethnic cleansing of Serbs continues in Kosovo
THE GUARDIAN UK reports that the 32,000 KFOR troops in Kosovo have not been able to stop attacks on Serbians by ethnic Albanians. The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has said continued killings, kidnappings and intimidation of Serbs would soon see them driven out of Kosovo altogether.

Hours after coming home, Rugova returns to Italy
In an apparent protest to the composition of the U.N.-sponsored Transitional Council for Kosovo, the moderate Kosovar politician Ibrahim Rugova returned to Italy. He instructed his party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), to boycott the conference. His unexpected departure is a blow to the U.N., which has been assigned the task of rebuilding Kosovo's political institutions.