Kosova and Somaliland: the impossible equation

Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis February 22, 2008

These days, to follow portals, websites, fora, and blogs through the web is truly impressive; it helps understand very quickly the splendid radiation of Kosova, and the impact of the proclamation of independence of the last, sixth, seceded member of the former Yugoslavia.

Developments in Kosova are monitored and then used for all sorts of interpretations of, and adaptations in, cases that vary tremendously. Asia, Africa, and Europe monitor the young Balkan nation that will soon become a fully accredited member state of the UN and other international bodies, notably the NATO and the EU. But is Kosova the magic solution for all, the epitome of the varied needs of diverse political elites and leaders? Most probably not.

Confusion around Kosova, and its real meaning

Why are so different politicians, statesmen, and liberation fronts´ leaders referring to Kosova these days?

Can there be a per case parallel between Kosova and all the rest, who claim similarities, namely Trans-Dniester, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Somaliland, Puntland, Maakhir, Nagorno Karabakh, Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraqi Turkmenistan, Western Sahara, Darfur, South Sudan, Ogaden, Oromia Republic, Sidama Land, Anuak Land, Baluchistan, Tibet, Eastern Turkistan, Chechnya, Dagestan, Catalonia, Corsica, Scotland, and many others? Most probably not.

Among the aforementioned names that represent only a small segment of all the post-Kosova claimants there are already many different categories:

1 - Existing, real states that have been supported and/or recognized by only few other countries (or just one)

5 - Secessionist movements that have no other reason to exist except to promote inimical biases against the nations from which they secede