Kosovo Declares Independence
The last link in the trilogy of pre-independance posts. I fear this will be far from the last. Confident in Europe and U.S support, Kosovo’s parliament hastily declares unanimous independence. All eyes now turn to Russia, whose actions will heavily determine the future of the state, and the region.
More to come as reactions and positions are revealed.
The Armenian Genocide
The Armenian genocide which took place between 1915-1917 was largely forgotten by the western world before Nancy Pelosi’s controversial backing of a resolution in October 2007, that sought to establish that genocide took place.
Unsurprisingly, the resolution met fierce opposition from Turkey, who are the successors to the Ottoman Empire, and many in the U.S who deemed the resolution irresponsible with regards to its political ramifications. The resolution came at a time when U.S relations with Turkey reached critical mass, and the resolution, had it passed, would have likely buried much of Turkey’s support and logistical support over Iraq.
Fine.
I am willing to concede that the resolution may have been unearthed for political purposes. And by raising this spectre of horror, it might somehow destabilize Bush’s control over the region, and give “the folks back home” an additional feeling of isolation and fear. What angers me, is that this is an important topic, but by fighting a battle Pelosi and co. could obviously not win, the entire issue will not resurface for analysis and discussion for some time to come, if ever.
“The Committee demands the annihilation of the last remnants of the Armenians and the government must bow to its demands.” German ambassador Count von Wolff-Metternich, Turkey’s ally in World War I
When one and a half million people are killed, of a race that numbers two and a half million in total. You really begin to wonder. Despite the opposition of then government officials in the Committee for Union and Progress, (Central Committee of the Young Turk Party or CUP) there is evidence that the Armenians were systematically butchered, which indicates government involvement.
Armenians were accused of siding with Russians in the war, when Turkey fought with it’s Central Powers allies. They were subsequently disarmed and forced to work as Hamals or labourers. Now defenseless, the Hamals were easy prey and were killed systematically. One date that is still commemorated by Armenians all over the world, yet another stark indicator of genocide, is April 24, 1915. On this day 300 Armenia’s political, social, and intellectual leaders were rounded up and killed. Now without direction and leadership, the remaining Armenians were taken to concentration camps in the deserts of Jerablus and Deir ez-Zor where they would starve and thirst to death in the burning sun. There are also records of abuse, denial of food and water. In short, a recipe for human rights disaster.
There are lessons to be learned and accountability to be held. Ignoring history will only lead to further cycles of abuse and cover-ups. While I believe it is true that the victors write history, violence is often indelible. As is the case of one and a half million Armenians.
Kosovo Threatens Independence
In a highly divisive yet expected move, Kosovo sets an independence date. The horrors and tensions in yet another creation of a state within a state are not easily cast aside. It is difficult to forget the history associated with such political maneuvers. India and Pakistan, Palestine and Israel, to name a couple.
Vuk Jeremic, the Serbian foreign minister remarks:
“We shall undertake all diplomatic, political, and economic measures designed to impede and reverse this direct and unprovoked attack on our sovereignty.”
Despite the harsh words from most of Serbia’s political world, there have been assurances that any and all action taken to prevent independence will be pacific and diplomatic. It remains to be seen what Serbia’s ally Russia intends to do. With Kosovo at the center of a battle of Superpowers, western blocks opposed to the increasingly assertive Russians, it seems more of a race to ascertain which blocks hold more global influence, then a delicate human rights issue.
Al Jazeera reports that certain tensions have already begun to arise, a disquieting prelude to what could come.
Highlighting the tensions in the region over the province’s intention to secede, Serbian police reported an explosion on Thursday in a northern border town divided between Serbs and Albanians.
Police said early reports show that the explosion in Mitrovica was near the site earmarked as the base of the future European Union mission.
Tension Over Kosovo Independence
Join the forum discussion on this postPutin once again levels harsh criticism to the European Union. This time, not over U.S missile defense systems, but over Europe’s sponsoring of Kosovo as an independent state.
The political lashing comes at a time when Serbians are torn over their future. On the one hand, the long and tortuous road to Europe. On the other, the open arms of Russia. Putin then, sending Serbia a clear message of support and showing itself as a key ally. But is that the sole puropse behind the rhetoric?
Europe and the U.S have been increasingly at odds with Russia over the last few years. Their relationship “chilly” at best. Veiled threats and rumors of a new global weapons race spark fears of a new cold war. Or it could be merely a show of force, a formerly atrophied Russia, stretching its new muscles and gathering its forces, letting the world know, it will not take the “back-rank” on current affairs again.
Both Putin and Bush see their terms closing, it will be up to their successors to find and embrace a new peace. If at all possible given the rifts the two superpowers have now entrenched themselves in.
Steven Spielberg Abandons Chinese Olympic Ambitions Over Human Rights Concerns
Join the forum discussion on this post
China’s unabashed support of the Sudanese government amidst the Darfur crisis has led Steven Spielberg to quit has post as part of China’s Olympic effort.
Spielberg was a key figure in the development in the inauguration and final curtain performances of the games. But found that for once, human rights took priority over cold, hard, cash. The move comes as yet another blow to China who have been juggling politics and the Olympics in a bid to ”Clear the smoke” before the games.
“I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual,” Steven Spielberg
Sudan’s government, who is seen as the largest contributer of violence and grief in the conflict has chiefly exported its huge oil reserves to China. A trade of Oil to China’s arms. The controversy then, apparent. Despite the obvious international ”no-no”, China has been steadfast in defending the Sudanese government at the U.N. Leading to the typical deadlock on important human rights issues.
It is unclear how China will react at this point. If not a deterrent, the blow will be a huge embarrassment.
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