– A Different Perspective on the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act
By Agim Aliçkaj, Executive Director of the Albanian American Civic League
The removal of unjust European sanctions, the recognition of independence by the Bahamas, and especially the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Trump are excellent news for Kosova and demonstrate appreciation for the good governance of Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani.
The joy of the Albanian people in Kosova, America, and around the world is fully justified, but the misplaced praise over who deserves credit has reached absurd levels. These achievements are the result of many factors in both Kosova and the United States.
The decisive factor in Kosova is a stable, democratic, and sovereign Kosova from one end to the other. The Kurti government cleaned the north of Serbian gangs and all forms of criminality, eliminated illegal parallel structures, and removed all forms of interference by the hostile Serbian state in Kosova’s affairs.
Prime Minister Kurti launched the Doctrine of Dignity and State-Building, standing firm against unjust and unprincipled pressure from international officials—including some Americans—to make further concessions to Serbia and its gangs in Kosova.
Had Kosova been blocked by barricades, the proposal for NATO membership would never have found its place in American law. Other provisions would have changed fundamentally as well. The pacification of the north eliminated proposals for territorial exchange and the partition of Kosova.
The main factor in America behind the proposal of this law are the professional architects of long-term U.S. foreign policy. They have classified Kosova and the Balkans as a strategic American interest. This is confirmed by the fact that the law passed Congress without major difficulty and was signed without objections by President Trump.
The strong patriotic Albanian-American diaspora deserves its share of credit for this law, but it’s not necessary to mention names, as the community knows them. However, I wish to emphasize that some individuals and organizations linked to the pro-Serbian former Ambassador Richard Grenell have no reason to boast. They used their contacts with American officials to criticize Prime Minister Kurti’s government—which means acting against the Republic of Kosova.
The undeniable facts now show that:
Long-term strategic American interests are created by professional teams, where lobbying has limited effect. Serbia’s millions of dollars spent on lobbying were wasted because its cause is unjust. We have it easier because our cause is just. Therefore, the Albanian-American community must continue its lobbying efforts with even greater determination.
What matters is that Kosova is an American investment. It has entered America’s strategic interests. America will never abandon Kosova.
America may criticize you, but it listens, follows, and helps if you deserve it. Kosova’s leaders must show capability, courage, coordination, commitment, action, and sincere, just argumentation. America does not like lazy or servile weaklings.
When Kosova works with dedication and justice, America speaks and seals it.
Final decisions and actions often differ from the public statements of some American representatives. Criticism by some temporary American officials, such as former Ambassadors Grenell, Hill, and others influenced by them, should not be taken seriously.
Accusations that “Albin ruined relations with America and international allies” are baseless. It is the lazy and servile opposition that damaged relations with foreign diplomats by obeying them and crippling the state. Accustomed to unconditional obedience, internationals do not understand independent positions taken in the state interest by Mr. Kurti, and therefore they dislike him initially. Then they accept him because he does good work in Kosova, which is also in their interest.
It is Kosova’s destructive opposition (PDK, LDK, AAK, and NISMA), the hostile organization Lista Srpska, the pro-Serbian Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, a large portion of the Serbian-influenced press, and some NGOs in Kosova who are keeping Serbia’s hopes alive for a return to or division of Kosova.
Is there anything more beautiful than Kosova’s best friend and the strongest country in the world—the United States of America—sanctioning the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kosova, opposing the creation of associations that damage state functionality, demanding mutual recognition, and supporting NATO expansion, including Kosova’s membership perspective?
The U.S. National Defense Authorization Act definitively confirms the triumph of the Kurti Doctrine over the Doctrine of Servility and State Crippling promoted by the opposition, which during its many years in power fostered corruption and allowed interference by Serbia’s fascist regime in Kosova’s internal affairs.
Only a strong Kosova Army, supported by America until NATO membership happens, can deter Serbia.
American diplomats and officials do not have the right and should not interfere in the free elections of friendly countries like Kosova to favor a specific party or candidate. However, they do have the right to monitor elections, express opinions on specific issues, and hold preferences.
Based on all available information, American preference leans toward capable, strong, and uncorrupted leaders who know what they want and work diligently to build and strengthen the state of Kosova. Today, these are without a doubt Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani.
I call upon my beloved people of Kosova not to fall victim to fearmongering by the opposition, hostile media, and their pro-Serbian allies such as former Ambassadors Grenell and Hill, and to vote without hesitation for the coalition of Prime Minister Kurti: LVV, Guxo, Alternativa, and PSHDK.
A vote for Kurti as Prime Minister guarantees a secure future for a pro-American, pro-European, free, sovereign, and fully independent Kosova.