Footsteps in Kosovo - a travel book that deals with an unusual subject in a different manner. Initially when learning she was to visit Kosovo the author, searched for information about the land and the inhabitants... "to find out what it was like". Admitting ignorance of the land other than knowledge of the conflict in 1999 when NATO conducted an air offensive on humanitarian grounds to halt what was termed as the ethnic cleansing of the Albanian population of Kosovo. Much has been written about the war period but despite extensive investigation she came across very little on the domestic front. The book is an attempt to remedy this. The personal dialogue draws a sensitive picture of this small part of the world - not much larger than the county of Yorkshire - now a UN protectorate, and still an 'active posting' for the NATO military forces after 5 years of 'nation building'. With the aid of her camera and a quirky sense of humour that saw Kosovo becoming 'curiouser and curiouser', aspects of living in Kosovo today are revealed. First seeing Kosovo from the comparative safety of one of the myriad of white 4x4 vehicles she falls irrationally in love with the land, the people and the fascinating history. With her camera ever ready she portrays a land of often violent contrasts. Written looking at Kosovo briefly from history - the day before; the war years - yesterday; the author takes to her heart the Kosovo of today. Determined to attempt to analysis her attraction 60-year-old Kristina returns... alone. To find her affinity, interest, intensifying. She has since been back yet again on her own, to stay in the capital Pristina just prior to the recent elections; feeling her way in this unsettled land; 'to test the water' as the frustrations of the population continue to simmer.

An engrossing, clear-eyed look at the conflict in Kosovo and what it reveals about the limits of America's power to shape the world and impose democratic and humane values in countries under the control of ruthless dictators. 4 maps.

The question of Kosovan sovereignty and independence has a history which stretches far back beyond the outbreak of war in 1998. This volume is a compilation of key documents on Kosovo from the first half of the twentieth century. These texts, including numerous diplomatic despatches from the British Foreign Office, deal initially with the Albanian uprising against Ottoman rule in the spring of 1912 and, in particular, with the period of the Serbian invasion of Kosovo in late 1912 and the repercussions of the conquest for the Albanian population. The documents from 1918 to the early 1920s focus mainly on endeavours by Albanian leaders, including those of the so-called Kosovo Committee in exile, to bring the plight of their people to the attention of the outside world - endeavours which largely failed. Further documents reflect the situation in Kosovo up to the outbreak of World War II. This collection provides new perspectives on the Kosovo question and includes many documents which have been largely unavailable up to now. It sheds new light on many of the major and minor episodes that channelled and determined subsequent events, including the Kosovo War of 1998-1999 and the declaration of independence in February 2008.

As the seventh and probably last state to arise from the ruins of the former Yugoslavia, Kosovo is the newest country in Europe. For centuries, Kosovo, also known as Kosova, was part of the Ottoman Empire, and for most of the 20th century, it was a province of what was once Yugoslavia. After the military conflict in 1998-1999 and a period of administration by the United Nations, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Focusing not only on Kosovo's turbulent recent years, the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Kosovo also relates the country's rich culture and long history. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, places, and events; institutions and organizations; and political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Kosovo.

For over three hundred years, the Qafa family name has been synonymous with fighting for Albanian independence. Since the 1600s, Qafa men have lost their lives and taken lives fighting against the Ottoman Turks, the Yugoslavian Serbs, and the communists. Simon Qafa tells the story of Pjeter Cup Qafa, his father, who was known as "the legend of the mountains" for his role as one of the most important freedom fighters of his day. Simon's life is chronicled here with a roller coaster journey from his childhood in Albania and Kosovo, the seminary in Rome, prison in New York, and as a family man and active advocate against communism.

The EU is under stress. Many believe in the euro’s demise because they blame it for the 2008 financial crisis and the unwelcome austerity measures. Many resent the immigrants from the new EU member states, threatening the survival of the Single European Market. Many complain of a ‘Brussels diktat’, seeking an escape from joint EU decisions. Several member states want to unilaterally deal with the enhanced competition from the emerging markets, especially China, undermining the EU’s ‘common commercial policy’, run by a single EU commissioner. And many in the UK want its exit from the EU, diluting EU unity and reducing its global influence. These concerns are either misguided or require a stronger EU to deal with them – this book aims to address these issues by considering the nature, importance and future of the European Union.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is a small country thats had an amazing influence on the history of Europe and the world. It formed the heart of Shakespeares Illyria. For centuries, its people were a mainstay of the Roman Empire, providing it with elite troops and several of its greatest emperors. In Bosnian Phoenix, author Miljan Peter Ilich offers a novel and enlightening perspective on the astounding historical importance of Bosnia. He emphasizes the resilience of the country throughout its evolution from its ancient historical roots. Its territory has fluctuated, but the basic geographical extent of what is defined as Bosnia and Herzegovina has been remarkably stable for a long time. Ilich offers an understanding of the conflictual relations in Bosnia by analyzing the inadequately recognized centuries-long significance of that nation in regional and European affairs. For about a century, Bosnia took the lead in defending Europe from Turkish invasions and was a champion of religious liberty within the Christian world. Ilich maintains that since Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been a multiethnic society, its history aids in the understanding of social evolution in other multiethnic societies. The Bosnian story will be meaningful to people in other countries since, with increased globalization, the entire world is fast becoming one huge, complex, multiethnic society. Bosnian Phoenix addresses a host of myths about Bosnia and presents insight into this country and what it offers to the world.

"Serbia covers fundamentals such as getting there, a range of local travel options and accommodation for all budgets and styles. Now a prime destination for winter sports, mountain resorts and a range of health spas in spectacular settings are also covered." -- Amazon.com viewed November 24, 2020.