Both factions, Macedonia and the Albanian minority that, in this case, has declared war on the Slavic majority, look on the United States as patrons. Rather than wait for developments the strategy of recent administrations in Balkans outbreaks this Bush administration should move quickly for a diplomatic solution to curb this most recent outbreak of violence. Secretary of State Colin Powell should bring the full weight and influence of his office with the Albanian factions, both radical and moderate, to bring an end to the fighting. Aid from the United States and European Union in the recent struggle with the Serbs should give NATO significant leverage with the Albanians. But in a region where hate runs so deep and memories are short, there is no guarantee of any lasting cooperation.
Time is of the essence.
The fighting in Macedonia is particularly dangerous. Continued fighting might also cause a rift between the United States and its allies. The stability of the Balkans is important to the United States and even more so to Europe. In this centuries-long history of ethnic violence, these questions must be answered.