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Amazing article, especially for the NY Times, with many great lines. Worth reading.

Many Americans, including many conservatives, often have a negative view of Albania. Here are a few things, though, worth considering:

In a Gallup poll of 60 countries, the most pro-American country on Earth was determined to be...Albania.

In the initial combat phase of Operation Enduring Freedom, only three countries in addition to the U.S. provided ground troops: Great Britain, Australia, and...Albania.

The vocal support expressed by the Albanians for the U.S. can be seen in these representative statements:

America is the only country in the world that exports freedom. It brought freedom and democracy to Japan and Germany after defeating both in World War II. It rebuilt their societies and taught them about liberty. It helped bring down the Berlin Wall. That is why we wholeheartedly support the American-led effort to free the people of Iraq. (Prime Minister Fatos Nano; March 20, 2003)

We're the most pro-U.S. nation in Europe, and we're in Iraq for the long haul. (Ambassador Satos Tarisa; April 2004)

(With regard to the Albanian participation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere): The United States of America stood on the side of the Albanians in 1999 when it was a matter of the existence of our nation. I hope this proves to the American taxpayers that they have not spent their money in vain to help this nation. Our gratitude will be long-term. (Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko; June 10, 2003)

We Albanians are a nation of freedom fighters who know something about living under oppression. That is why we wholeheartedly support the American-led effort to free the people of Iraq. And though we are a small country with a small military, we are proud to stand side by side with our allies in the fight to end the reign of terror in Baghdad.

Now that the fighting has begun, we expect the Albanian commandos we have sent to aid in the operation will acquit themselves well. Also, we are proud to have pledged our unconditional support in terms of additional troops, ports, bases, and air fields.

History is old. The only new thing about history is the United States. America is the only country in the world that exports freedom. When the historical occasion has called for it, the United States of America has been willing to pay the price in order to free the oppressed, even in states that have sought its harm.

It brought freedom and democracy to Japan and Germany after defeating both in World War II. It rebuilt their societies and taught them about liberty. It helped bring down the Berlin Wall hastening the process of freedom in Central and Eastern Europe. It rarely asked anything in return. Now the United States and its Coalition of the Willing will bring liberty to Iraq.

And when the Coalition of the Willing completes its work, it will be time for the Coalition of Builders to repair, restore and rebuild Iraq under the name of freedom.

We are proud to be in the company of the free.

(Prime Minister of Albania, Fatos Nano. March 20, 2003)

The RNC should hire some Albanians to do PR and marketing.

Our gratitude will be long-term. (Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko; June 10, 2003)

You don't hear a statement like that much anymore - from anybody.

Albania was one of the most repressive countries and that’s why it’s people so value FREEDOM.