Sioux city iowa, I’ve often been asked about my recent deployment to Kosovo. My quick summary is that it is complex, full of contradictions, conflicts and cooperation.
The Balkans are a crossroad of cultures. For forty years, Yugoslavia was held together under Tito. After his death, it disintegrated in nationalism, bringing “ethnic cleansing” to common language. Serbia views the area of Kosovo as its cultural heartland. The majority ethnic Albanians view the Serbs as outsiders. The U.S.-led air campaign in 1999 stopped the Serbian expulsion of ethnic Albanians. NATO forces have been assigned with providing a safe and secure environment there ever since, successfully drawing down from 50,000 troops in 2000 to about 5,000 now. Approximately 800 are Americans.
Kosovo declared itself independent in 2008, but is still not recognized by Serbia or about half the countries of the world. The nation of two million citizens actively seeks recognition and participation in western organizations. Besides the American military involvement, why should the U.S., let alone Iowans, care about Kosovo?
The people and government of Kosovo are incredibly pro-American. Gallup conducts an annual survey in over 100 countries of the support of American policies. Kosovo has an 88 percent approval rating of American policies, a level of support that certainly must be higher than it is among Americans. If you think the rest of the world hates the United States, which isn’t accurate, it seems like the people of Kosovo are trying to single-handedly make up for it.
As one walks randomly around Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, it is common to observe the American flag flying about as frequently as the Kosovo flag, especially at government buildings. One of the main streets of Pristina is Bill Clinton Boulevard, complete with a statue of Bill Clinton. A few feet away is a women’s clothing store named “Hillary.” Notably, Bill Clinton Boulevard intersects with Bob Dole Street. Perhaps more remarkably, it also intersects with George W Bush Street. Cities around the country have Madeleine Albright and Wesley Clark streets.
The Iowa National Guard and Kosovo are linked in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. This program was designed at the end of the Cold War to assist eastern European countries in making the transition to democracy. Iowa’s partnership is unique, as it is helping Kosovo to build and professionalize their security forces, and is recognized as one of the most active and robust state partner programs. Building on those ties, Kosovo and Iowa signed a Sister State agreement to forge deeper relations.
The overwhelming percentage of Kosovars are Muslim, but practice in a way dramatically different than the common American perception. While the majority maintain traditional practices, it is rather common for many Kosovars to drink alcohol, and virtually all wear western clothing. The streets of Pristina are adorned with green and red lights during late December in honor of (non-Orthodox) Christmas. Pictures of Santa Claus and an occasional Christmas tree (complete with Christmas songs) are not uncommon.
The country faces a number of challenges, however. Per-capita income is the lowest in Europe. It also has the youngest average age in Europe, along with one of the highest unemployment rates. The lack of opportunity causes many young people to leave the country, depriving it of some of its best talent. Lacking complete international recognition, many companies are reluctant to invest in the country. Without international recognition, many organizations like Interpol are not able to operate in the country, enabling corruption to flourish.
Despite these travails, most Kosovars remain optimistic about the future, and look to the United States as a model in addressing their challenges.
The Balkans are a crossroad of cultures. For forty years, Yugoslavia was held together under Tito. After his death, it disintegrated in nationalism, bringing “ethnic cleansing” to common language. Serbia views the area of Kosovo as its cultural heartland. The majority ethnic Albanians view the Serbs as outsiders. The U.S.-led air campaign in 1999 stopped the Serbian expulsion of ethnic Albanians. NATO forces have been assigned with providing a safe and secure environment there ever since, successfully drawing down from 50,000 troops in 2000 to about 5,000 now. Approximately 800 are Americans.
Kosovo declared itself independent in 2008, but is still not recognized by Serbia or about half the countries of the world. The nation of two million citizens actively seeks recognition and participation in western organizations. Besides the American military involvement, why should the U.S., let alone Iowans, care about Kosovo?
The people and government of Kosovo are incredibly pro-American. Gallup conducts an annual survey in over 100 countries of the support of American policies. Kosovo has an 88 percent approval rating of American policies, a level of support that certainly must be higher than it is among Americans. If you think the rest of the world hates the United States, which isn’t accurate, it seems like the people of Kosovo are trying to single-handedly make up for it.
As one walks randomly around Pristina, Kosovo’s capital, it is common to observe the American flag flying about as frequently as the Kosovo flag, especially at government buildings. One of the main streets of Pristina is Bill Clinton Boulevard, complete with a statue of Bill Clinton. A few feet away is a women’s clothing store named “Hillary.” Notably, Bill Clinton Boulevard intersects with Bob Dole Street. Perhaps more remarkably, it also intersects with George W Bush Street. Cities around the country have Madeleine Albright and Wesley Clark streets.
The Iowa National Guard and Kosovo are linked in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. This program was designed at the end of the Cold War to assist eastern European countries in making the transition to democracy. Iowa’s partnership is unique, as it is helping Kosovo to build and professionalize their security forces, and is recognized as one of the most active and robust state partner programs. Building on those ties, Kosovo and Iowa signed a Sister State agreement to forge deeper relations.
The overwhelming percentage of Kosovars are Muslim, but practice in a way dramatically different than the common American perception. While the majority maintain traditional practices, it is rather common for many Kosovars to drink alcohol, and virtually all wear western clothing. The streets of Pristina are adorned with green and red lights during late December in honor of (non-Orthodox) Christmas. Pictures of Santa Claus and an occasional Christmas tree (complete with Christmas songs) are not uncommon.
The country faces a number of challenges, however. Per-capita income is the lowest in Europe. It also has the youngest average age in Europe, along with one of the highest unemployment rates. The lack of opportunity causes many young people to leave the country, depriving it of some of its best talent. Lacking complete international recognition, many companies are reluctant to invest in the country. Without international recognition, many organizations like Interpol are not able to operate in the country, enabling corruption to flourish.
Despite these travails, most Kosovars remain optimistic about the future, and look to the United States as a model in addressing their challenges.
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