American and British troops in Kosovo have stepped up border patrols, detaining 50 suspected separatists in recent weeks as they attempted to cross into Serbia proper. Still, the rugged borders remain porous and some think the US isn't doing enough. The border is a complete sieve, and the weak US presence along the border is partly to blame for that. Kosovo's ambiguous legal status is another aggravating factor. UN Resolution 1244 states that Kosovo is still part of Serbia, but the ethnic-Albanian majority overwhelmingly favors independence.
Some analysts say it's only a matter of time before the situation turns explosive.
The recent incidents in Macedonia and southern Serbia are related, if not outright orchestrated. In the next year, I foresee a gradual rise in violence in the entire region as extremist Albanian factions lose the ability to achieve their goals through political means, and increasingly resort to violence. If you appreciate the information we provide, please support our work. Make a donation or become a member of Global Policy Forum.