Westliche Kosovo-Politik in der Sackgasse. Drei Gründe, weshalb sich der Westen verrannt hat
Western Kosovo Policy at a Dead-End. Three Reasons Why the West is on the Wrong Track

Summary/Abstract: The actual deadlock as for a solution concerning the future of Kosovo should not be blamed on Russia and the consequent threat of a veto in the UN Security Council. It has rather been the result of at least three major Western errors of judgement since 1999. First error: Serbia’s insistence on Kosovo is political rhetoric rather than national consensus – hence a deal can be made with progressive forces in Serbia to let the province go. In reality the "Kosovo myth" has kept its power in public discourse, regardless of the democratic changes. Second error: Moscow’s insistence on a UN based compromise solution between Prishtina and Belgrade is a cynical approach to put pressure on the West; Russia just wants to increase the price the West should pay for holding back Moscow’s veto. As a matter of fact Russia has an interest to reinforce the role of UN and international law when it comes to conflicts of separatism. Third error: A policy of raising expectations for swift independence should soften Kosovo-Albanians’ criticism of the protectorate structure and appease the ruling elite. In fact the deadline pressure created by the West’s "management by expectation" is diminishing chances for an enduring solution. Not always is the sooner the better.

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