"If money isn't loosened up, this sucker could go down,"

*gasp* could this be a teaser for a sequel to the blockbuster smash "Snakes on a Plane?"

Oh. Wait. You mean, that's not from a movie? It's a real quote? From someone who holds political office?

Nevermind. False alarm.
http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/73mfg/if_money_isnt_loosened_up_this_sucker_could_go/

Pandora's Box? A Southeast European Taiwan? or a path to Freedom?

The deadline on Kosovo unilateral proclamation on Independence is fast approaching. By February 17th, it is thought that the small landlocked region will declare itself a nation, and be recognized by the US and most of the EU.  Not everyone is happy about this, however.  The Russians call it "Pandora's Box." Cyprus has refused to recognize any unilateral decision. Many fear an ethnic fracturing, not only of Kosovo, but of Serbia (in the Albanian populated south, near where I lived) as well as Bosnia.  What will be the most likely future of Kosovo?

There are three ways to look at a unilaterally independent Kosovo, the "Pandora's Box," a Southeastern European Taiwan, or a path to freedom.

As previously mentioned, Kosovo has the power to tear the region apart. After nearly a decade of working through the UN Security Council to obtain freedom (which has always been threatened by Russian Veto - another reason why permanent vetoes for the UNSC trouble me), Kosovo is tired of rule by proxy. The UN has managed the region with the help of KFOR, a massive military endeavour through NATO.  But if Kosovo breaks free, what of the Serb minority who remain in Kosovo? Kosovo is not 100% Albanian In fact there are approximately 800 people known as "Gorani" who are Serb, yet Muslim.  Neither the Albanians (mostly Muslim) or Serbs (mostly Orthodox) care for them much. What happens to them in an independent Kosovo?  

Also, there are Albanians in the south of Serbia who have already made a ploy to join Kosovo a few years ago.  What will they do if Kosovo is independent? And what of Bosnia, particularly the Serb region known as the Republik of Srpsk? Some has suggested they break from Bosnia should Kosovo break from Serbia.  Such a move invalidates the Dayton Accords, which ended the bloodiest European conflict since World War II.  

Or perhaps a unilateral independent Kosovo is a bit like Taiwan - Not recognized by some, trading partner with others. Kosovo does have massive coal deposits and could provide electricity for the region, except that Serbia refuses to trade with an independent Kosovo.  There goes most of your borders and most of your imports/exports.

Or perhaps Kosovo may be a model for independence.  The Kosovo leadership has held off unilateralism for years, waiting until all other options have failed.  They still wish to follow the plan laid out by the UN for independence.  It's a longshot, but perhaps there is a way for an economically stable, independent Kosovo to avoid bloodshed.

Ahh Serbia...

You may not be able to form a government,  Kosovo is set to declare independence any day now, and EU membership is dangling in front of you just out of reach, but you've still have the funniest Health Ministry EVER.

BELGRADE (Reuters) - A ban on grumpiness, gossiping, mini-skirts and rudeness is what the doctor orders to improve patient care in Serbia's hospitals, according to new rules issued by the country's Health Ministry.

The rules, posted on the ministry's Web site, say staff are not allowed to criticize their hospital or their superiors, and should not accept gifts for their services.

Hospital staff are often bribed with cash or gifts for attention or better treatment.

"There needs to be ground rules for decency," a ministry spokesman said.

Serbia's public health system crumbled during the conflicts of the 1990s, with patients' relatives having to provide everything from bandages and antibiotics to food.

Funding improved as stability returned but bribery, often involving hundreds of euros, is still widespread.