Why Muslim Countries Support Serbia on the Kosovo Issue

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The complex geopolitical landscape of the Balkans and the Middle East has often seen Muslim countries aligning with Serbia on the Kosovo issue. This article delves into the various factors behind this alignment, including historical, political, and cultural contexts.

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Historical Context and the Non-Aligned Movement

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Much of the so-called Muslim countries were part of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was spearheaded by Yugoslavia under Tito. Many of these nations have a distorted view of Yugoslavia, seeing it as a victim destroyed by Western powers. In reality, Yugoslavia's internal collapse due to Serb nationalism contributed to its demise. Many people in these countries have a 'corrupted view' of Yugoslavia, a perception that is often influenced by the way it was exploited for profit. For example, in Libya, a colleague of the author named ‘Granit’ (an Albanian name), reflects the legacy of Yugoslav companies.

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Economic Exploitation

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Yugoslavia was often seen as milking these countries for financial gain, even selling desert sand to them. This economic exploitation has left a lasting impression on the perception of Yugoslavia and its successor states, including Serbia. The situation was further complicated by the Yugoslav 'nonalignment' movement being hijacked to support aggressive foreign policies by some nations.

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Political Alliances and Disputes

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Traditionally, Muslim countries are Russian allies, which has shaped their stance on the Kosovo issue. This does not require complex rationalization; it is simply a strategic decision. Moreover, not all Muslim countries are real democracies, thus their alliance with Russia makes strategic sense for them. Saudi Arabia stands as an exception, being rich in its own right.

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Public Opinion and Anti-Western Sentiment

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A significant portion of the public in Muslim countries has anti-Western sentiment, which has influenced their stance on the Kosovo issue. Moreover, many Muslim countries have their own separatist or disputed land issues; recognizing Kosovo would essentially be a double standard. This is compounded by the fact that the United States supported Muslim factions in Bosnia during peace negotiations to the detriment of other groups.

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Patterns of Intervention and Consequences

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There is a clear pattern of Western countries, particularly the US, destabilizing other nations, supporting one faction, and securing victory through NATO intervention. This pattern is evident in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. In the case of Yugoslavia, the US and its allies imposed sanctions and bombings, leading to significant loss of life for Muslims, including 65,000 Bosnian Muslims in Bosnia and 10,000 Kosovo Albanians in Serbia. This has led some Muslims to recognize the negative impact of Western intervention and support for Kosovo.

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Conclusion

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The support for Serbia by Muslim countries on the Kosovo issue is a complex interplay of historical, political, and cultural factors. Understanding these elements provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the region and the broader international community.

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