The ambiguity over the independence of Kosovo is looming and so does the predicament over the US and Russian relations that are already in tatters because of US plans of planting MDI in Europe. Russia defies both US plans because the former would legitimize the demand for autonomy in many troubled regions e.g. Chechnya and latter as a threat to Russian security.
The tumultuous region of Kosovo has 90% of ethnic Albanians - demanding independence and remaining 10% Serbs who want to be with Serbia. The ambiguity over the independence of Kosovo prevails, as there are rare chances of its economy to grow independently.
The root cause of the simmering conflict is the long yarning of Serbs and Albanians to possess Kosovo that Serbs consider as the cradle of its culture. However, the dispute has undoubtedly led Kosovo to no man’s land where it is neither an integral part of Serbia nor an autonomous body.
Missile Defense Initiation (MDI) and Kosovo independence are the cardinal factors that are governing the present chaotic relations between US and Russia. Russia rejected US claims because of its strategic concerns - that in both conditions Russia stands a looser.
Russian concerns over its security are valid as US meddling in Europe has instigated the arms race in the region and US loyal European countries like Bulgaria have started demanding the Rocket shield as a reward for their loyalty in the war against terror in Iraq.
Independence of Kosovo, though a tough choice, makes a sense at present as there are little hopes of Albanians and Serbs acknowledging reconciliation. Therefore, it is better to segregate Kosovo from Serbia than to further encounter slaughter for the Serbian unification.
Russia will be the soul looser in case US successfully deploy MDI or extracts independence for Kosovo. Both plans pose threat to Russian interests and will give impetus to the Southern Russian territories for autonomy. Tatarstan, an energy-rich republic within Russia, as well as the Kaliningrad enclave are the future candidates to leave Russia if such an opportunity becomes viable.
The long-standing dispute has become the power game for the World’s two most powerful nations - US and Russia. The independence of Kosovo, though, is difficult for Serbia to accept but there are expectations of Serbia accepting it in exchange for the EU membership and in such conditions, every gain in EU will be a loss to Russia.
Finally, the two great powers should go ahead with transparency and should enjoy the fruits of tangible benefits of cordial relationship while at the same time avoiding the desperate attempts to achieve a position of dominance.
They should abstain from old habits of insularity and falling apart while knowingly debarring the cordial relations to halt their own prosperity, stability and security. Moreover, the Russian proposals to US on MDI wherein Russia agrees to US plans to work collectively in Russian friendly states should be adhered. Nevertheless, to avoid further conflict, I think, independent status should be conferred to Kosovo and in case Russia veto the move, UN should bring it to the voting table where Russia will be helpless to accept the decision.
Source: Telegraph
