The future of the Republic of Kosova must and can only be determined by the majority of its people
Agim Aliçkaj
The American elections this year began in the very cold weather of the state of Iowa. These elections are showing to be very difficult and strange, democratic but
not quite normal. America is the land of wonders, where everything is possible.
No one knows who will win this time.
The Democratic Party, after President Biden withdrew from the race due to serious age problems, has nominated Vice President Kamala Harris as its candidate for President. She is a minority female, relatively unknown compared to Trump, and considered very liberal.
The candidate of the Republican party, former President Trump, almost 80 years old, convicted of 34 criminal offenses, is complicated and unpredictable. He refused to accept the lost 2020 election, which prompted his supporters to attack the Temple of democracy – Capitol Hill. The American democratic system prevailed.
There are several issues that influence the decision of American citizens on who they will vote for, such as the economic situation, immigration, reproductive rights, foreign relations, etc. But this time it seems that the voters will decide more against than for the candidate. Empty promises, lies and lack of courtesy are worrying. The division and hatred for political opponents has reached its peak.
Supporters of candidate Trump think that the policies of the Biden administration, especially out-of-control immigration, are destroying America. Those of Mrs. Harris considers Mr. Trump as mentally unstable and dangerous with dictatorial tendencies, who could destroy American democracy.
Vice President Harris’s strongest supporters are women, some minorities and Republicans unhappy with former President Trump’s behavior. Whereas, the greatest support for Trump comes from nationalists, extreme conservatives, isolationists and men, especially those of a younger age who believe that dictatorship offers strength and security.
Principled Republicans, former Vice President Mike Pence, Liz Cheney, Mitt Romney and hundreds of others are especially important. They are offended by former President Trump’s behavior, blame him for inciting the January 6 attack on Capitol Hill, and consider him a danger to their party and American democracy. They hope that Trump’s defeat will lead the Republican party to the path of the famous former president Ronald Reagan.
The American elections are of special importance for Kosova and the Albanian nation. America has helped the creation of the state of Kosova and is interested in protecting it as a historic humanitarian and strategic project. However, American support for Kosova may change in intensity and form, depending on world problems and the geopolitical interests of the current administration.
The administration of former President Donald Trump did nothing essential for Kosova, except for the recognition of independence from Israel for its own and Israel’s interests. The emissary Richard Grenell was completely corrupted by the Serbian fascist regime and tried together with the opposition to destroy Kosova’s democracy, to divide or bring Kosova under the control of Serbia through the Economic Normalization Agreement.
Neither the administration of President Biden had any success in resolving the conflict with Serbia. This comes as a surprise, because he is personally considered a great supporter of Kosova and a harsh critic of the Serbian genocide in Bosnia and Kosova.
The main mistake was because, occupied with major world problems, his administration left Kosova issue to European ruthlessness and injustice. The unilateral European policy of appeasing the Serbian aggressor and subjugating the victimized people of Kosova failed. The American policy also failed.
The question arises, which side should the Albanian-American community support and vote for?
The reality is that the Albanian-American community is divided on both sides. Action and cooperation with both major parties has been very successful for the last four decades. An example for this is the Albanian-American Civic League led by the legends of lobbying in Washington Joe DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi.
This time, after a deep consideration and assessment of many facts, even Joe Dioguardi, who is a conservative Republican, came out in support of Mrs. Kamala Harris. Shirley and the majority of the AACL Board share the same position. We think Trump is unpredictable and has the potential to make drastic harmful decisions. With President Harris, the worst that can happen is that the status quo continues for a while longer.
We do not judge those compatriots and activists of our community, who for their own reasons support candidate Trump. However, we expect them to use their contacts with his headquarters to ensure support for the interests of Kosova and the Albanian nation, and not take photo-ops and tasks to put pressure on the government of Kosova.
And let’s not forget that the Serbian-American chauvinist community mostly supports Trump and has created a special relationship with the emissary Grenell who is fully at the service of Serbian interests.
It just became known that Vice President Harris addressed the Albanian-American community with a letter thanking them for their contribution and inviting them to participate in American democracy. This should make it easier for us to vote for her.
Regardless of who wins these elections, our work in Washington in the interest of Kosova and the national cause must continue. Exercising influence in any administration through the US Congress brings favorable results.
Kosova must ensure American support by strengthening democracy, the economy and the rule of law of the state, not by making concessions to the destructive Serbian and unjust European demands. The Serbian association without the recognition of independence from Serbia and the entry of Kosova into NATO means suicide.
The people of Kosova have in their hands that in the elections of February 9, the governing of the country to be trusted for another term to the trio of hope, ability and security, President Vjosa Osmani, PM Albin Kurti and Speaker Glauk Konjufca. They should be careful not to be divided in these decisive moments for Kosova. Kosova and the entire Albanian nation still needs them united.
Strong, uncorrupt and democratic leaders, supported by the majority of the people, are a guarantee for the state of Kosova.
The opposition is still totally confused, it is not clear to them that in order to win the elections they need to apologize for the mistakes of the past and become better than the position. Cursing, unnecessary criticism, slander and attitudes similar to those of the Belgrade fascists do not work. Albania’s PM Edi Rama is preoccupied with the rehabilitation of Serbia and corrupt actions in Albania.
The most important thing is that the existence of the Republic of Kosova cannot depend exclusively on anyone and on any American or European administration. The future of the Republic of Kosova must and can only be determined by the majority of its people, no one else.
Although not perfect, the US is still the strongest, most democratic and best country in the world. America is home to people of many backgrounds and ethnicities from all over the world. Kosova is the youngest country in the world, while the Albanian people are among the oldest and most peaceful in Europe.
Therefore, the American people and the Albanian people are protected by God himself.
Congratulations and good luck in the elections on November 5, our dear America!