Since the end of World War II and until 1990, Albania, under the leadership of the Party of Labor, was a fiercely anti-imperialist country. Enver Hoxha railed against American imperialism as well as Soviet Social-imperialism. He had thousands of bunkers built to withstand a NATO invasion. Today, Albania is one of only a few countries where George W. Bush is greeted with smiles and hugs instead of protests. And the country's post-communist government is considering to become a NATO member. (CNN: Warm welcome for Bush in Albania)
Albania has really made a 180 degree turn. Some Albanians like Bush because he supported their ethnic brethren in Kosovo against the Serbs and is now pushing for the independence of Kosovo. Such a narrow-minded viewpoint is a mistake. You can support the independence of Kosovo without supporting Bush and you don't need American backing to achieve that aim. It is hypocritical to support the independence of Kosovo and the rights of the Kosovar people on the one hand and sent 120 troops to Irak and 22 to Afghanistan to help the Americans murder the Iraqi and Afghan people on the other hand. Moreover, the Albanian government allowed 500 U.S. Marines into the country to protect Bush during his seven-hour visit.
The Albanians gave Bush a disgraceful welcome. He deserves worse.
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