Ariel Rusila's Conflicts [Ex-BalkanPerspective]

Ari Rusila's BalkanBlog address: http://ping.fm/NHwnE

“ Sometimes there are no alternatives to confrontation” (then - 2008 - candidate Obama) I n my previous article - End Game Approaches on Nuclear Iran - I described how US has changed radically its earlier position so that both the U.S. and Israel say also officially that they have not ruled out military action against Iran. During last weeks Israeli and US officials have been coordinated implementation and timing of air strike, U.N. nuclear agency (IAEA) is more concerned about Iran's nuclear program than earlier and finally recent elections in Iran are not making other alternatives easier. Previous red light for airstrike has changed to yellow and attack is ready to start anytime when so decided. During his key-note speech on March 4th 2012 at the pro-Israel campaign group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference this approach was again confirmed when President Barack Obama issued a stern warning to Iran if it continues to develop nuclear weapon...

E thnic Serbs living in northern Kosovo - municipalities of Zubin Potok, Zvecan, northern Mitrovica and Leposavic - have been voting in a two-day referendum on February 14.-15. The question was simple: Voters were asked simply ''Do you accept the institutions of the so-called 'Republic of Kosovo' established in Pristina?''. Turnout was at 75.28%. Final results will be made known on February 19th - just after the fourth anniversary of Kosovo's independence declaration - but early estimate is that 99.74 % were against Pristina's sovereignty. In Kosovo case the figure probably reflects good the opinion of local Serb population. The result shows that the barricades against EULEX were not just the work of “criminals” and “radicals” but instead have real popular support. One should note that question about northern municipalities of Kosovo is only one - even if a core one - aspect in Kosovo framework. During NATO-bombing and after ethnic cleans...

End Game Approaches on Nuclear Iran End Game Approaches on Nuclear Iran By Ari H Rusila From the start of 2012 the spotlight on Iran and for good reason. Today the entire region is now on tenterhooks for the next move, with US, Iranian and Gulf armies on the highest war alert. Earlier the main scenario was that Israel would make an preventive limited air strike to Iran's nuclear facilities, now it seems that U.S is going to war with Iran. The decision point for applying a military option, before too late, is getting nearer. Ehud Barak, Israel's minister of defense, implied that this critical point would be reached in less than a year, in a recent CNN interview. U.S has changed radically its earlier position, now both the U.S. and Israel say also officially that they have not ruled out military action against Iran. This in case if diplomacy fails to resolve a dispute over the nuclear program, which Tehran says is peaceful but the West believes is a cover for trying to b...

F rom the start of 2012 the spotlight on Iran and for good reason. Today the entire region is now on tenterhooks for the next move, with US, Iranian and Gulf armies on the highest war alert. Earlier the main scenario was that Israel would make an preventive limited air strike to Iran's nuclear facilities, now it seems that U.S is going to war with Iran. The decision point for applying a military option, before too late, is getting nearer. Ehud Barak, Israel’s minister of defense, implied that this critical point would be reached in less than a year, in a recent CNN interview. U.S has changed radically its earlier position, now both t he U.S. and Israel say also officially that they have not ruled out military action against Iran. This in case if diplomacy fails to resolve a dispute over the nuclear program, which Tehran says is peaceful but the West believes is a cover for trying to build atomic bombs. The use of military option is now well on the way. Latest develo...