Why Albania is So Great, Part One

I've decided to write a serial about one of my favorite countries in the whole wide world.

So this is Part One:
Albania Sheltered Jews in the Holocaust

Albania, a Muslim nation, was perhaps the most prolific people in all of Europe when it came to saving the Jewish people from Hitler's genocide. Keep in mind, they weren't a neutral country able to let people in on their own. Albania was occupied by Italy. Italy--one of Hitler's allies. Still, the Albanian people put themselves in mortal danger to save innocent Jews.

By the end of World War Two there were more Jews in Albania than beforehand, perhaps the only occupied country to have this honor. For example:

“Why did my father save a stranger at the risk of his life and the entire village?” asked Enver Alia Sheqer, son of Righteous Among the Nations Ali Sheqer Pashkaj, who is featured in the exhibition. “My father was a devout Muslim. He believed that to save one life is to enter paradise.”

At the end of the war there were 2,000 Jews in Albania. There were only 200 in the nation at the beginning. While other nations (France) willingly gave up the Jews, Albania saved them. Albania is also pro-Israel, as well (perhaps the only Muslim nation except Kosovo or Kurdistan).

So God Bless Albania and Kosovo, the greatest nations in Europe.

Int'l Court: Kosovo Independence Legal

 The International Court of Justice has ruled by a majority margin that the Kosovan declaration of independence two years ago was legal. The Court does not have actual authority and is more of an advisory body, but by a 10-4 ruling it showed that Kosovo is legally separated from its former oppressor, Serbia.

Kosovo and Albania, both Muslim nations, are both allies of the United States and Albania has been a steadfast ally in the War on Terror, sending combat troops to Afghanistan and Iraq.

And when President Bush visited the country in 2007 he received an intense welcome:

And while there the Ambassador of Albania to the US wrote the following in the Washington Times:

From a country with only 3.5 million people, the troops -- the flower of Albania's youth -- represent the best Albania has to offer. Why does Albania do this when it could have avoided President Bush's call for support, or when it could have dropped out as others have done when the going got tough? The answer is not difficult to find. If you believe in freedom, you believe in fighting for it. If you believe in fighting for freedom, you believe in America.

Unlike people in other countries in Europe and elsewhere, the Albanian people have not forgotten what it is like to live under tyranny and repression. The Albanians for more than 40 years were held in thrall by the repressive forces of the communists, living like prisoners without rights in their own country. It was to the United States that freedom-loving Albanians looked for inspiration during those dark years, and the Americans have not let us down.

 Albania has stood with us from the darkest days in late 2001 to the fight in Iraq during the Surge to Afghanistan today. Albania has contributed more per capita to forces in Iraq and Afghanistan that any other nation on the planet and will not back down.

In the late 1990s during the Serbian-engineered genocide in Kosovo, al Qaeda came to "help" their fellow Muslims in an attempt to fight the Serbian army. Instead the Albanian guerrillas drove al Qaeda out embarassed.

President Bush was proud to support Kosovo's right to self-determination. I certainly am proud to stand with him.

Cross-posted at World Threats.


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Most Pro-American Countries: Albania, Ireland, Most of Sub-Saharan Africa

Gallup has an excellent set of polls out asking people around the world whether or not they approve of the US role in the world. Sub-Saharan approval is astronomical, owing largely to President Bush's anti-AIDS and anti-Malaria efforts. The results of the polls are staggering. Of course, Albania and Kosovo are high on the list. Kosovo, which gained independence last year, has American approval at 88%. Albania, which has the George W. Bush Avenue down its Parliament, is at 78% with only 6% disapproving.



Some bad news as Pakistan's approval is just 8%.



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Albania Sending 85 More Troops to Afghanistan

After news of the American troop surge in Afghanistan broke, many nations have agreed to bolster the NATO mission in Afghanistan, ISAF. 5,000 new forces will be deploying with the Americans to try and pacify the country.

Poland, our steadfast ally, is sending 600 on top of its 2000 already in place. Britain is sending 500 more.

But to readers of Jumping in Pools, it should come as no surprise that tiny Albania, the most pro-American nation in Europe is deploying 85 more troops, bringing its commitment up to 335 soldiers. This is the same country that sent 200 troops to win the war in Iraq.

You go, Albania!

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Albania Applies for EU Membership

Some interesting news as one of my favorite countries has officially applied for membership in the European Union. That's right, Albania is taking another step forward in order to integrate with the Western community. This Muslim democratic state is a stalwart American ally and a great influence of secularism. While it appears that Albania will eventually join the organization, it will take a while.

Mr Topolanek said Albania had undergone "tremendous positive changes", but stressed that the Balkan state was still "facing a huge amount of work".

Albania is not expected to join the EU until 2015 at the earliest.

In addition, Albania has just joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a boon to both NATO and Albania. The small country has contributed troops to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Darfur. They are also famous for welcoming President Bush with massive celebrations.

Jumping in Pools: Top 10 Cool Countries

I've decided to start a new feature on the blog and all of our writers are encouraged to chime in with their own articles. This time I'll start it off with some of the cooler countries that I like and why. The US is, of course, number one, so we'll skip us for now.

1. Kurdistan: Having put up with 25 years of the rule of Saddam Hussein, the fascist government in Syria, repressive Turkey, and the theocrats in Iran, these people are resilient. While Muslim, they are surprisingly secular and definitely tolerant, sheltering Yezidis and Christians from al Qaeda terrorists. Iraqi Kurds are also the most pro-American people on the planet and fight side-by-side with our forces in Baghdad.

2., 3. Albania and Kosovo: Pro-American and democratic, these poor nations are eager to help spread democracy throughout the world. Albania just joined NATO and has sent troops to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Darfur to help stop the spread of Islamic extremism. Albania warmly welcomed President Bush during his visit there and is a secular Islamic nation.

4. India: The world's most populous democracy, this nation has moved closer to the United States in the last eight years. Friendly also with Israel, the nation is one of the few in the world with a slim history of anti-Semitism. Tolerant and on the forefront of the War on Terrorism, this nation is one that just screams awesome. India is also sending rockets into space now and may beat us back to the moon.

5. Israel: One of the most berated nations, Israel's democracy is tolerant, despite having hundreds of millions of people wanting to wipe it out. Israel proudly takes on fasicst and theocratic forces, like Saddam's Iraq, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This nation is one of our closest allies and deserves much more credit than it gets.

6. Georgia: This small country is one of the most pro-America on the planet. Georgia is pushing to join NATO and sent 2,000 troops to Iraq. Georgia also offered 500 to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Russia's brutal and unjustified attack last August has decimated the nation's infrastructure and military and Russia's dictatorship is actively seeking to topple the Western-backed democracy.

7. Colombia: A democracy that has fought off narco-terrorism, Colombia is the United States' cheif ally in South America. A hedge against Venezuela, this nation is planning to send over 100 troops to Afghanistan. Thanks in large part to President Bush's dedication, Colombia ended much of its fighting with drug traffickers and communist guerrillas.

8. Poland: One of America's top allies in Europe, this nation suffered at the hands of Hitler and Stalin. From the ashes of the Cold War, this former Warsaw Pact nation is a leader in the fight against terrorism. Sending 2,500 troops to Iraq and over 1,000 to Afghanistan, Poland is looking to avoid the mistakes of the past. Poland is also integral to American interests in Eastern Europe, especially when dealing with Russia.

9. The Ukraine: The breadbasket of Europe, this populous democracy has shone as a US ally. Although Russia is pressing on the democratic government, the people have not conceded. Despite Russia poisoning presidential candidate Victor Yushenko in 2004 and rigging the elections, the people rose up and demanded a new vote.

10. Mongolia: Yes, the former home of Genghis Khan, this remote nation between Russia and China has positioned itself in the US bloc. Sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, Mongolia is looking to rebuild after about 70 years of Communist rule. Mongolia warmly welcomed President Bush's visit several years ago.

Bonus Country: Yes, Britain should be on this list, but it's too obvious. Australia is America's tough brother who always seems to be there for us. The Aussies sent troops to Korea and 'Nam, as well as to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they served with distinction. Australia's a venerable democracy who's looking to help its neighbors, especially with its intervention in East Timor.

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Albania Joins NATO

It's official. The most pro-American nation in Europe has joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Albania and Croatia have both joined in official alliance with the United States. After the savage attacks of September 11, 2001, Albania came swiftly to aid their American friends. They deployed troops to both Afghanistan and Iraq, and work to save innocent lives in Darfur. They are planning to stay in Iraq as long as we are and have recently upped their commitment.

Several years ago, the Muslim nation of Albania gave President Bush a loving welcome, bringing thanks, posters, and American flags to the streets of Tirana. Our friendship is close. Woodrow Wilson saved the small state from being carved up after World War One. President Clinton saved Kosovo from Serbian genocide. President Bush founded a strong relationship and was instrumental in the independence of Kosovo.

Welcome aboud, Albania. We look forward to years of partnership in the struggle against terrorism, dictatorship, and tyranny. We already know you're up to the task.


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Why Albania is So Great, Part 5

I believe that this video will speak for itself.

Long live Albania, Kosovo, and the United States!





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Another Albanian Triumph: Kosovan Stability

Kosovo became independent a year ago to much fanfare. Its independence has been used by autocracies like Russia to justify the rape of independent Georgia. However, this poor Muslim nation has defied some expectations and is a strong, vibrant, pro-American democracy.

"It is peaceful here," says Nebojsa Popovic, one of the few Serbs left on the Kosovo police force. Popovic commands a station in Gracanica, the centre of a Serb enclave 5km from Pristina, where Serb and Albanian traders and taxi drivers chat openly in the street. A soldier still stands guard at the town's Orthodox monastery, but this might change in the next 12 months, according to Lt. Gen. Giuseppe Gay, head of KFOR, the international military presence.
...

Serbian products brought into Kosovo through the North -- without import taxes levied -- are worth as much as €500 million, roughly a quarter of Kosovo's GDP, according to Avni Zogiani, head of the Pristina-based anti-corruption campaign, COHU. "Serbia loses out through the re-importation of tax-free goods back into Serbia, but it gains much more because they have Kosovo as a market and can sell goods without paying government duty."

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Why Albania is So Great, Part Four-- Mother Teresa

Now, I know that the whole of the Albanian nation did not create Mother Teresa, but the way she is revered by the population shows that in Albania, kindness and decency go a long way. This is especially pertinent, considering that most of the people in that country are Muslim and Orthodox and Mother Teresa was Catholic. Still, her good deeds are recognized and used as an example by the giving people of Albania and Kosovo.The person we know as Mother Teresa was born Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in what is today the capital of the republic of Macedonia. She went on to a life of good works, helping the sick and the poor in India.

Today, Mother Teresa is known for her charity throughout the world. She is revered by Catholics, Muslims, and Hindus alike, and she showed us how we should act towards another. Albania should be proud of their native born, and we should all act to help those less fortunate.

Part Five: http://jumpinginpools.blogspot.com/2009/02/why-albania-is-so-great-part-5.html


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Kosovo Launches Military

The newest independent state in the world, Kosovo, has officially launched a security force. This force, the Kosovo Security Force, will be responsible for security in the small nation.

The new security force is made up of 2,500 civilians and paramilitaries, along with about 800 reservists.

The commander of the Kosovo Security Force (FSK) is General Sylejman Selimi. He says the creation of the force represents the beginning of a new phase in Kosovo.
Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci stresses that the FSK is being trained by NATO and that it includes members of all ethnic groups in Kosovo -- mainly ethnic Albanians and Serbs.

"I will be a multiethnic force in the service of the country and all of its citizens," Thaci said. "It will have the full support of the international community and it will work in accordance with Kosovo's constitution and NATO standards."
The FSK replaces the Kosovo Protection Corps. That fledgling security force also was a multiethnic force. But it comprised mostly former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army, the separatist guerrilla group that had fought against Serbia for independence during the 1990s.

Don't be surprised if Kosovo decides to send troops to Afghanistan or Iraq. Albania has sent to both of those countries, even doubling its troops in Iraq as other nations were pulling out. We would like to give our support to Kosovo and Albania, the most pro-American nations in Europe.

Why Albania is So Great-- Part 3-- Kosovan Peace

Jumping in Pools continues its series about Albania and the triumphs of the Albanian people. One of these triumphs includes the peaceful nature of Kosovo, despite a terrible war last decade.

Despite the genocide by the Serbian government of Slobodan Milosevic, Kosovo is still trying to live in harmony with its larger neighbor:
That is when tacit cooperation between Belgrade and the EU in Kosovo became concrete. If past patterns had been repeated, both Serb and Albanian hard-liners – and the mafias that smuggle through Kosovo the bulk of the heroin that reaches EU territory – would have exploded the patient peacemaking of Serb and Albanian moderates. They would have orchestrated "ethnic" mob clashes that would have quickly started a fresh cycle of revenge and retaliation.

Kosovo!

Thank You President Bush

Although it is the last day of President George W. Bush's administration, I feel it fitting and proper to say what's on my chest.

Thank you, Mister President.

Thank you for keeping us safe.
Thank you for removing the worst dictator on the planet.
Thank you for freeing Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, and Haiti.
Thank you for helping free Kyrgystan, the Ukraine, and Kosovo.
Thank you for standing for democracy in Iran, Russia, and Tibet.
Thank you for supporting Israel.
Thank you for strengthening our alliances.
Thank you for looking out for the little guy.
Thank you for taking on dictatorship and terrorism.
Thank you for spreading democracy in the Middle East and Latin America.
Thank you for not relenting.
Thank you for comforting us in troubled times.
Thank you for putting up with so much.
Thank you for being honest and decent.
Thank you for having integrity.
Thank you for being there.
Thank you for remembering Halabja.
Thank you for remembering the fallen.
Thank you for not tiring. Thank you for not wavering. Thank you for not faltering. Thank you for not failing.

Another Albanian Triumph: Religious Freedom

Anyone who has been reading this blog has known that we take a very pro-Albanian slant. None of our writers (to my knowledge) are Albanian, but we take pride in the insightful and pro-American policies and attitudes of Albania and Kosovo.

So I was fortunate enough to stumble upon an article by Michael Totten, who is linked on our blogroll. He writes about his experiences in the newly-independent nations of Kosovo. This nation is Muslim, but along with Albania, Georgia, and Kurdistan, is fervently pro-American.

Totten writes about the very small portion of this Muslim nation that is fundamentalist and the majority of the people who are secular:
Wahhabis are encountering resistance from Kosovo’s religious community as well as from its atheists and agnostics. “We are working very hard to stop these kinds of movements,” says Hamiti. “These kinds of movements are dangerous for all nations, for the faiths, for all religions. The traditional Islam that has been cultivated in these areas is the best guarantee for the future. If we allow foreigners to come here and to push us to war with their ideas, then the situation will be out of our control."

And to make it better, Kosovars are incredibly pro-American:

In 2004, a Gallup survey measured popular opinion of U.S. foreign policy around the world. Only ten countries rated American foreign policy favorably, and among those, Kosovo scored highest, registering 88 percent approval. When one ethnic Albanian I met happened to make the uncontroversial statement that Kosovo was a European country, another broke in. “We aren’t European,” she corrected. “We’re American."

And this article has perhaps the best interchange I've read in a while:

“Americans are our best friends in the world,” a waiter said to me at one of Pristina’s finest restaurants. “The U.K. is second.”

“Thank you,” I said. “We appreciate that. Some people don’t like us.”

“Bad people,” he said.

I strongly suggest that you check out this article. It might just make your day.

Albania to Host Europe's Biggest Windfarm

Yes, yes, we all know how awesome Albania is. However, we have another bulletin. Albania will host the largest windfarm in all of Europe. This windmilltastic farm will supply power for and will be constructed by Italy. The farm will consist of 250 turbines, over 50 more than at Tug Hill.

The Albanian government has transferred more than 97 hectares of land to Italy’s Moncada Energy Group, which through its Albanian subsidiary, Enpower Albania, aims to build a 500 megawatt wind farm, comprising 250 turbines, in the south of the country. The biggest wind farm in Europe. The project will include the construction of a transmission line running from the port of Vlora in Albania to the Italian port of Brindisi. A cable, stretching 145km under the Adriatic at a depth of over 900 metres, will allow electricity to be transmitted in either direction. Construction is expected to start in 2010.

Good for Albania. They're joining NATO and are still cool. How can they get any cooler?

Albania to Join NATO Next Year

Albania will be joining NATO next year, along with Croatia. This from WorldThreats:

However, there is some good news, as Croatia and Albania will soon join NATO. Albania has been a role model for Europe and the wider Muslim world. The Albanian government has deployed troops to Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, and Chad (to help the people of Darfur). Albania has stated that they will not abandon our mission in Iraq and will stay as long as the U.S. does.

Can Albania be any cooler? They helped in all the places that they are needed and are working actively to stop genocide and tyranny. And they love us. Man, how cool is that?

The German View of the Election

I was reading an article linked from Real Clear World and saw an article from the German site Der Spiegel.

Now, if there's anything that I want to read is what Germany has to say about our country.
But some nice snippets:

America is a superpower around the globe, but a Third World country at home, with an infrastructure that defies description. There are collapsing bridges, power failures along the entire East Coast, and homes in places like Florida, North Carolina and Texas are regularly destroyed every year by hurricanes that flatten houses as if they were beach bungalows in Haiti.

Did I miss this? Are our roads really collapsing and everyone dying or is this just a bit of an exaggeration.

America? A horrendous country that betrays its own values every few years, thus forfeiting its moral right to lead the Western world. It elects presidents who know nothing about the world, and have no interest in learning more, which explains why they readily succumb to errors and illusions, only to reveal their utter amazement when they finally -- and usually too late -- admit their mistakes. Since 1945, America has been fighting wars in countries that it knows very little about, and under premises that have almost nothing to do with reality.

Umm-- since when did Germany get to call any nation or person a horrendous one. And we've been making mistakes since 1945? Almost like they want us to forget history before that.

I know that America's not perfect, but we have people around the world, especially in Old Europe that are all too willing to assume and believe the worst about our country. I'm tired of this and I'd rather have a guy like Bush who will side with a country like Georgia or Albania than some arrogant nation still trying to escape its own faults by blaming us.

Oh, and of course they like Obama.