I told you as early as the beginning of the Kosovo war that there was some empathy between France's military elites and Serbia (remember how French officers Gourmelon and Bunel got embroiled in transmitting sensitive materials to Belgrade...). Besides, France has taken over the UN headship of Kosovo in the person of Bernard Kouchner.
So, I suspect these conspiracy allegations against France were framed up by a frustrated Serbian leadership. It's likely that Belgrade is miffed by France's prevarications in pleading Serbia's cause....
Re: And what about the recent sudden discovery of the Europeans that they must have a force to deal with Kosovo like problems INDEPENDENT of Nato...
I don't think it's a "recent, sudden discovery" --I'm afraid it's rather an oversight.... and a putting-the-cart-before-the-horse as well! European leaders should keep in mind what happened in the past when, as you put it, they dealt with "a force independent of NATO". Here's a reminder:
1870-1871: France declares war on Germany; Bismarck invades France, lays siege to Paris, the Communards/Anarchists-controlled capital....
1914-1918: WWI
1936: Spain's Civil War
1940-1945: WWII
Get the picture? The above events had all unfolded in a NATO-free Europe.
The real challenge for Europe is not to beef up some glitzy military force to settle Kosovo-like crises afterwards but rather to foster a political commonwealth more inclusive towards the Balkans and Turkey. Thereby, havocs such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Chechnya,... could be dealt with beforehand. |
