The Independent and Kosovo

I FOUND it rather astonishing to see the Editorial in the Independent yesterday. For a newspaper that constantly attacks the United States and Britain for the "illegal" invasion of Iraq, how on earth can they endorse Kosovo's declaration of independence?

"Britain believes that the declaration of statehood, with international support, will provide the necessary clarity to enable Kosovo to revive its economy, ending the uncertainty over its status that kept investors away. But there are fears, even among Kosovo's supporters, that the power of the EU mission risks undermining the fledgling state, rather than reinforcing it."

After all, if we're going to go into international law surely we should all agree that the air bombardment of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and occupation of Kosovo was, well, illegal. Was there a UN mandate? I think we all know the answer to that one.

The fact is that the Independent still loves a 'good' war. You know, the type that costs the nation little in both blood and treasure but makes one feel like they're doing good. Kosovo was one of these wars. We have annexed the territory of a sovereign state and then recognised their independence. What if France occupied the Basque region of Spain and then recognised their right to secede? Would Spain not have a legitimate greivance? Far more ominously, how on earth can we criticise Russia when they continue to meddle in Moldova and Georgia?

I think everyone who reads this blog knows my views on this predicament. I think we've set an extremely dangerous precedent.

For an excellent insight I recommend A Place To Stand.