Kosovo's killing fields

The threat of mass murder once again haunts Europe. It must be stopped.

When spring comes and the winter snows melt, the massacres will begin in earnest.

That is the fear of the international community trying to prevent an escalation of hostilities in Kosovo, the relatively small region in what's left of Yugoslavia where, just days ago, Serbian security forces murdered at least 45 ethnic Albanians execution-style -- many with bullets shot at close range through the backs of their heads.

These murders -- which wiretaps by the international peacekeeping mission strongly suggest were planned in advance -- are only the latest outrage. For a decade the Serbian minority (which makes up 10 percent of the region's inhabitants) has oppressed the Albanian majority (which accounts for 90 percent of Kosovo's 2 million people). Coming as they did in the midst of what until recently had been a period of relative calm, the killings underscore once again the genocidal intent of the Serbian government and its dictatorial leader, Slobodan Milosevic.

Because of diplomatic protocol, Milosevic is treated by the United States and its NATO allies as if he were a legitimate national leader. But all would be wise to recognize him for what he is: an international outlaw and a mass murderer. After ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and elsewhere, he wears on his hands the blood of countless countrymen who had the misfortune to be Muslims. Now he appears ready to turn his attention to Kosovo.

In October Milosevic made a series of promises that would have guaranteed a degree of peace in the area. He has broken them all. And if the usually authoritative Jane's Defence Weekly is to be believed, he has dismissed -- if not scoffed at -- the threat of retaliatory NATO air strikes.

As we go to press, there comes news that offers a glimmer of hope. This weekend, all parties are scheduled to meet outside Paris to discuss a peace plan that would return to the Albanians of Kosovo the autonomy they enjoyed before Milosevic took over. No doubt an unexpected but welcome joint show of resolve on the part of the United States, NATO, and especially France -- as well as Russia's acknowledgment of the need to act -- has at least temporarily brought Milosevic to heel.

To force the good faith of the Serbs and to prevent further crimes against humanity, Serbian forces must withdraw and be replaced by a NATO force, which French military experts believe may have to be as large as 100,000. How long need that multinational force be in place? Estimates run from three to ten years.

The US is now preparing to send about 5000 additional troops to the region. Already, public apprehension is beginning to build. The Clinton administration needs to explain clearly to Congress and the nation why this mission is necessary, and it needs to spell out its long- and short-term goals. A clear delineation of aims would, we believe, build public support.

Europe is still haunted by the specter of Hitler's Holocaust and Stalin's monstrous crimes. Despite some success in facing down Milosevic, the European community and the United States have been irresolute in coming to terms with this butcher.

The American people and the world need to be reminded that the horrors of the 1930s and 1940s cannot be allowed to recur. Atrocities by the Serbs must be stopped. And the US must help.

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