Jay Schneider wrote:

> What do you think of the Rev. Jacksons visit and the results of it.

I saw three politicians excercising their strategies to get/remain in
power, over those three soldiers, without giving a damn for them.
Milosevic did exactly as you said - "politically correct thing", and
with a good timing if I may add. Jackson succeeded where others failed,
bringing the long-missing sons and service men back to their families
and the whole concerned nation. Clinton hurried to downscale the event,
saying "good for them, but what about a million of homeless in Kosovo".

If we forget about those three soldiers (as they did), I think this
visit will prove to be significant moment for all parties involved. It
may well help Jackson in his goals, it may also help Milosevic wiggle
his way out...

> I was surprised that his visit caused the release of the prisoners,
> although
> it was clearly the correct political move for Milosevic. He's getting
> very
> positive press in the U.S. because of it.

Yes I've noticed. But it could not be only the release of prisoners -
CNN (and other media, to an extent) rethorics is shifting from war to
peace-enforcing vocabulary. I'll give you two examples from their recent
web articles: "separatist ethnic Albanians and Serbian forces", "Serbian
province of Kosovo". It's no longer Liberation army of Kosovo, its
separatistic Albanians...! He he, making progress every day.

What I conclude from this, believing that mass media always pave the way
for turns in government's policy, is that They-in-power see the end, and
are directing their 'public opinions' to except what is coming as a
great victory, triumph of law and humanity, etc. I'm afraid that all
sides will "win" this war, same as all three involved sides claimed they
have won when Bosnian war ended. In reality, it will mean Slobodan
Milosevic staying in power, stronger than ever, securing not only peace
(as he did in Bosnia - lucky Bosnians) but also funds from West needed
to rebuild the country. It will mean Kosovo not in Serbia, but not out
of Serbia either, and it will mean long, long NATO/UN/Whatever military
presence there.I have said when we started this correspondence - my
greatest fear is Milosevic surviving yet another defeat, and still
remaining in the position to do what he has been doing for the last ten
years - devastating once promising country and humiliating once proud
nation. And, as it seems, that IS what will happen. Once again.

> I'm a little disgusted that the ex-prisoners are being treated as
> heros. My
> strongly educated guess is they were off joy-riding (across the
> border) when
> they were captured. Instead of the court-martial they deserve they'll
>
> probably get a medal.

You are probably right - but even if Yugoslav army did snatch them on
Macedonian soil (unlikely - why should they?), there is nothing heroic
about the whole event... the three patrolled along the border of a war
zone, got captured, and later released (before the end of the conflict,
i.e. in a gesture of good will).

Again, it's the example of media tweaking public oppinion and
sentiments, and directing (if not leading) this war.

Can I have your oppinion on bombing of power plants? There is nothing
military whatsoever about power plants - they are pure civilian objects,
making civilised life as you or I know it possible - electricity,
running water and so on.

Regards,
Vladimir