[elpadre]

on a table full of major issues throughout the world, Kosovo is a mere crumb, so unimportant when compared to the future of world as seen through today’s prism.

it was a mistake to be involved in the Balkans during Clinton years, as it was clearly for the Europeans to handle, not the US. We had no dog in that fight.

Someone please answer why? - tis confusing

[Hoplite]

it was clearly for the Europeans to handle

The Europeans dropped the ball.

As a consequence of our involvement, however, the situation is more or less stabilized, with the majority of ex-Yugoslavia on its way to EU and NATO integration.

As can be seen from the continual whining and carping here on FR, the Serbs aren't happy with how things turned out, but that's pretty much a historical thing with the Serbs, given the mismatch between their aims, rhetoric, and capabilities.

[MattinNJ]

I have no answer. I wish we would abide by the Founding Father's principles. President Washington warned about becoming involved in the affairs with others and the Monroe Doctrine was brilliant.

I still don't think we should have fought in WWI but that's a discussion for another day.

[Gandalf_The_Gray]

it was a mistake to be involved in the Balkans during Clinton years, as it was clearly for the Europeans to handle, not the US. We had no dog in that fight.

During clinton's first term I spent some time in Germany. (Our little $90 million company was bought by Robert Bosch Gmbh) As we got to know each other a bit we fell to discussing geopolitics. I will never forget the older, WWII vintage, Germans. To a man they all opined that it is crazy to fight in the Balkans, you can never win, you'll get bogged down and they will bleed you dry. They also said they thought clinton a buffoon, to which we all cheerfully agreed. Prosit, I caught the next round.

Regards,
GtG

PS They have a drink, grappa, I think it's leftover V-2 fuel! They say it's for invalids and old men. I think it makes old men into invalids! Avoid it at all costs!

[patriciaruth]

Someone please answer why?

The news media constant drumming on the civil war issue in Kosovo made it necessary for President Clinton to intervene in order to keep their favor during difficult PR times for him.

[SQUID]

“Kosovo is a mere crumb” Well, you’re correct, Kosovo is indeed a mere crumb, but the principle in the matter is not. The precedent being set is a profound affront to the international rule of law which we have signed onto and made part of our constitution. Recognition of Kosovo as an independent state diminishes our capacity to claim soverignty on international matters. It is also an illegal act.

So, it’s not the size of the problem that should prompt action or inaction, it should be the principles of our construction that should govern our involvement.