Customer Reviews

Kosovo Crisis: A Study in Foreign Policy Mismanagement

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Describing the US and its NATO allies as the Balkan Rogue Superpower, the anthor analyzes the US-led foreign policy which led to the demise of Yugoslavia and further instability throughout the region. Once the US intervened, the conflict in Kosovo escalated rapidly from what was initially the Milosevic regime fighting the KLA insurrection. By early 1999, diplomacy became threats and ultimatums to Belgrade, stipulating conditions which no self-respecting government could accept. The pretext for bombing had been achieved. In the final chapters the author points out the devastating humanitarian, ecological, political and legal consequences of the bombing campaign as well as some lessons learned and prospects for the future. This is an outstanding book on the Kosovo conflict. It is especially valuable for students, political scientists and historians, and a "must read" for anyone making policy with regard to the Balkans.

Excellent analysis of situation in Yugoslavia before, during and after the bombing of the country by NATO. Statements and analysis of facts supported by extensive research and a rich variety of sources from all sides of the contlict. A must to read.

Dr. Joksimovich has crafted a brilliantly researched analysis of NATO's war that provides an essential basis for understanding that often misunderstood conflict. In particular, the chapters on the period preceding the war are especially valuable. I've not seen a better account of the conflict between the secessionist KLA and state security forces preceding NATO intervention. The author's chapters on diplomatic developments during the same period are similarly valuable. Clearly a prodigious amount of reasearch went into these chapters, and as a result, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the events that led to NATO's war. The excellent chapter on the war itself reminds the reader that the current sorrows afflicting Iraq are by no means unique. The cataloguing of what can only be termed the deliberate targeting of civilian targets makes for moving and thought-provoking reading. The book closes with the author's heartfelt analysis of NATO intervention in the broader context of violated Amercian ideals and questionable political motives. This book is highly recommended!