Kosovo

[Le Chat]

Is the decision to make Kosovo an independent state a good idea? Is it not like making Birmingham an independent state if there was an Asian majority of 98% and they fought for it? Sorry I have not worded this very well but I am tired! Have just stayed in Brum for the weekend and noticed how many diversitys of cultures are living there. This has prompted my question. It could similarly be other areas and other groups of people.

[jno]

the same thought has occurred to Cyprus and Spain, both of which have minorities that would like to be independent (and of course Britain has had recent rouble with the Northern Irish, some of whom wanted the same thing). So they are not welcoming Kosovo's independence. But there have been bitter wars over Kosovo in the last 20 years and the Serbs and Kosovans (who are basically Albanians) hate each other, which is hardly the situation in Birmingham (I hope).

Whether Kosovo can be economically viable as an independent state is another matter. But same point: could the Independent Birmingham Republic actually produce enough wealth on its own to pay its way in the world? I suspect not.

[Lonnie]

The problems in Kosovo, are, as in most cases like this, historical, and this link should give you an insight into why the area will never have a decent period of peace.

http://lamar.colostate.edu/~grjan/kosovohistor y.html

[THECORBYLOON]

We in Corby should ask to be part of Scotland.

[anotheoldgit]

If they want to become independant then so be it, it is their country.

What should not happen is for the UK or the USA to take sides and so become involved in their affairs.

We aleady have enough on our hands with Iraq and Afghanistan.