Yugoslavia's new President, Vojislav Kostunica, may be no Milosevic, but he responded swiftly to the attack, blaming NATO for failing to prevent Albanian incursions. Not long ago, such rhetoric would have been dismissed. But last week NATO's top military commanders and even the U.N. Security Council snapped to attention. NATO officials note that in order to mediate between the two sides they have to maintain the appearance of neutrality. Confronting rebels, moreover, would raise the risk of reprisals against NATO troops.
Orders are orders.
For Kostunica, in fact, the standoff has proved something of a boon. His quick response and the West's willing reply played well among ordinary Serbs. The French loved the magots because they were cute. 2001 Time Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.