It looks as though Kosovo is prepared to declare independence from Serbia in a matter of days. Self-determination and self-rule are not something I've taken a lot of time to research and learn about. I think, mainly, because it's such a central theme to the always volatile Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unless one is dogmatically rigid, there are valid concerns on both sides of Kosovo and Serbia (as well as for Israel and Palestine).

One comment that struck me:

The future status of Kosovo is also an important issue in the Serbian presidential election, which goes to a second round early next month.

The BBC's Oana Lungescu says the EU wants [Kosovo's Prime Minister] Hashim Thaci to delay declaring independence until the election is over.

Waiting seems to be a recurring theme in the talks. Wait until the spring, wait until the UN Security Council convenes, wait until the Serbian economy is stronger, wait until Serbia enters the EU. Now, Kosovo is told to wait until after the Serbian election.

I can certainly see the reasoning behind waiting for after the elections, considering how emotional this issue is. But, won't there always be a reason for waiting? Russia is dragging its feet in the UN Security Council. Serbia flat out doesn't want Kosovo independence. So, why wait? Russia will not move faster - and if they do it will probably be to veto a resolution calling for Kosovar independence. Serbia isn't going to change its tune.

So, why wait?