No peace in Kosovo

What is happening now in Kosovo is sickening. Thousands of civilians are on the move, driven from their homes by Serbian forces who are fighting a ruthless war against Kosovan separatists.

It is particularly alarming because it is exactly what was predicted. Two months ago, the panjandrums of the new world order, President Clinton and Secretary Albright, wrung their hands and urgently reviewed the situation, ably supported by the practitioners of ethical foreign policy, Prime Minister Blair and Foreign Secretary Cook. There was going to be a conference. Military plans were being drawn up. We were allowed to believe that further Serbian aggression would be met by the threat of force from NATO. What has happened? Nothing, apart from unsuccessful negotiations led by Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Clinton's Balkan envoy. Negotiations, and the ominous rolling of Serbian tanks.

-- The Independent, London