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Milosevic, Slobodan

A Complex Peace: NATO's Success in Kosovo but Challenges Ahead

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

NATO's 2.5-month military operation in Kosovo has ended with apparent success, as Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has been forced to accede to NATO's demands. President Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are credited with leading the alliance to a major achievement. The use of air power, combined with the threat of ground forces, has brought Milosevic to heel. However, concerns remain about the stability of the region and the potential dangers of NATO troops entering as peacekeepers.

Key Takeaways:

  • NATO's military operation in Kosovo has ended with apparent success, as Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic has been forced to accede to NATO's demands.
  • The alliance managed to keep together during the 2.5-month military action, a significant achievement.
  • The use of air power, combined with the threat of ground forces, has apparently worked to bring Milosevic to heel, despite initial skepticism from many observers that NATO's aims could be achieved without sending in troops.
  • NATO troops, including 7,000 Americans, will have to enter the ravaged province of Kosovo as peacekeepers to protect the Kosovar Albanians and assist in relief efforts.
  • The peacekeeping role will be very difficult, as there is a danger that some of Milosevic's forces will remain to harass the ethnic Albanians, and that members of the Kosovo Liberation Army will try to exact revenge on their Serbian tormenters.
  • The United Nations and NATO will have to exercise administrative control over the province indefinitely so that resettlement and rebuilding can succeed.
  • The United States must encourage the removal of Milosevic from office to ensure the safety of Kosovar Albanians.

Statistics:

  • 7,000 American troops will be part of the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
  • The military operation lasted approximately 2.5 months.
  • The Kosovo province is expected to require significant resources for relief and rebuilding efforts.

Sources:

  • The Providence Journal, "A Complex Peace: NATO's Success in Kosovo but Challenges Ahead," June 11 (no date mentioned).

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