Kosovo is located in the Balkan region of South-east Europe and has been point of contention throughout history. Neighboring Serbia has longed alleged that “Kosovo is Serbia”, while Kosovo Albanians (Kosovars) strongly disagree with this perception. The intent of this research paper is to identify the causes of strong ethnic tensions and oppression in the region. Furthermore, to identify the operational variables that have affected unit operations during the NATO lead air and missile campaign that began in 1999, up to the present day ongoing NATO operations in the area. The significant conflict in Kosovo, due in large part to cultural and ethnic differences, may never be resolved until each side comes to an agreement to reach peace, or
…show more content…
In the event he delivered a stirring speech closing in the words: No one should dare to beat you! Constantly broadcast on Serbian television, this speech propelled Milosevic to the forefront of the Serbian nationalist revival. He became president of Serbia in December 1987 and helped his associates to power in Vojvodina, Montenegro and Kosovo in late 1988. In early 1989 the Serbian parliament, under Milosevic, passed constitutional amendments reaffirming Serbian control over Kosovo. These were approved by Kosovo's frightened assembly, while the province was under a 'state of emergency'. Serbian celebrations of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo Plain in June 1989 drove the spread of Serbian nationalism (Bideleux). However, Kosovar Albanians responded with both violent and non-violent opposition and established the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) presided by Ibrahim Rugovo. The strategy of the LDK was to demonstrate its ability to run the territory in all but name, and that the West would recognize and accept Kosovo’s right to independence. Almost half of Kosovo Albanians wanted to join Albanian while the remaining desired outright independence. Since no wide-scale violence had occurred in the region up until this point, it never stood at the center of U.S. and European and Balkan policy. When push came …show more content…
Kosovo forces (KFOR), comprised of just less than 5,000 troops from 31 countries, work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all citizens and communities in Kosovo. Their role is to develop a stable, democratic, and peaceful Kosovo for all of its multi-ethnic inhabitants. It is important that each Soldier serving in Kosovo realizes the history of the country to ensure that the culture is accepted and understood. A great deal of attention should be paid to the protection of minorities in the area. Patrols conducted daily ensure that minority enclaves remain protected and that protection of heritage sites such as monasteries and mosques are preserved. Being on the ground and getting a first-hand experience of the daily life of the people will help Soldier’s to understand the culture that surrounds them. Jandora noted, the key consideration is that American society overall has become relatively deficient in foreign cultural awareness (Jandora). In the Army, all Soldiers receive cultural awareness training often, but do not always absorb the information that is presented to them. Either they get it, or they do not. Visiting cultural sites, learning the language, and interacting with the population during their daily lives can help us to understand the culture. They must consider the second and third order of effects that U.S. interactions can have with the natives.
In the event he delivered a stirring speech closing in the words: No one should dare to beat you! Constantly broadcast on Serbian television, this speech propelled Milosevic to the forefront of the Serbian nationalist revival. He became president of Serbia in December 1987 and helped his associates to power in Vojvodina, Montenegro and Kosovo in late 1988. In early 1989 the Serbian parliament, under Milosevic, passed constitutional amendments reaffirming Serbian control over Kosovo. These were approved by Kosovo's frightened assembly, while the province was under a 'state of emergency'. Serbian celebrations of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo Plain in June 1989 drove the spread of Serbian nationalism (Bideleux). However, Kosovar Albanians responded with both violent and non-violent opposition and established the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) presided by Ibrahim Rugovo. The strategy of the LDK was to demonstrate its ability to run the territory in all but name, and that the West would recognize and accept Kosovo’s right to independence. Almost half of Kosovo Albanians wanted to join Albanian while the remaining desired outright independence. Since no wide-scale violence had occurred in the region up until this point, it never stood at the center of U.S. and European and Balkan policy. When push came …show more content…
Kosovo forces (KFOR), comprised of just less than 5,000 troops from 31 countries, work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all citizens and communities in Kosovo. Their role is to develop a stable, democratic, and peaceful Kosovo for all of its multi-ethnic inhabitants. It is important that each Soldier serving in Kosovo realizes the history of the country to ensure that the culture is accepted and understood. A great deal of attention should be paid to the protection of minorities in the area. Patrols conducted daily ensure that minority enclaves remain protected and that protection of heritage sites such as monasteries and mosques are preserved. Being on the ground and getting a first-hand experience of the daily life of the people will help Soldier’s to understand the culture that surrounds them. Jandora noted, the key consideration is that American society overall has become relatively deficient in foreign cultural awareness (Jandora). In the Army, all Soldiers receive cultural awareness training often, but do not always absorb the information that is presented to them. Either they get it, or they do not. Visiting cultural sites, learning the language, and interacting with the population during their daily lives can help us to understand the culture. They must consider the second and third order of effects that U.S. interactions can have with the natives.