Following the withdrawal of the last NATO troops in late 2000, the situation in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo rapidly worsened. Breakaway elements of the Serbian army have occupied much of the southern part of the province, where they clash repeatedly with the reformed Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Elements in Russia are believed to be quietly supporting the Serb fighters, while various Islamic groups are funneling arms and funds to the KLA.
With many cities reduced to rubble and both sides exhausted by the continual fighting, recent leadership changes in Serbia may have made the climate amenable to a more lasting peace. High hopes are placed upon the secret peace talks currently going on the Kosovo capital of Pristina.
