Hi Jo

Think it seems more likely that Bush sees Kosovo as the best chance for a positive coda to his presidency. There's talk here (I'm working in Kosovo just now, I dunno if you knew) of a declaration of independence very soon, and although it's always being talked of, there are a variety of reasons why people really believe it this time.

Certainly seems a more attainable prize than a middle East solution, and it would get it right up the Ruskies, another strategic advantage.

Will be very interesting to see what happens over here in the next few weeks....

Hope all's well with you.

Hi, Andy.

Kosovo? Blimey. Hope you're having a good time. Learning to speak any Albanian? Is it true they nod for "no" and shake their heads for "yes"?

Anyway, that's very interesting news. Best of luck to the secessionists. And, yes, anything that pisses the Russians off has to be good.

Nice to hear from you.

Have learnt a little Albanian, but not much, only a 4 month internship, I'll be back home by Saturday. Hoping to get work in election monitoring at some stage, and later with the ICRC...fingers crossed.

Haven't noticed people here switching shakes and nods, though I did notice a lot of Indian students doing it when I worked at the Uni over the summer. Perhaps it's an Albanian, as opposed to Kosovan, thing.

Anyway, all the best!