Ibishi: Arming of regional states is the wrong way of "balancing" conflicts

Security expert from Pristina, Nuredin Ibishi, believes that the militarization of Western Balkan states indicates the seriousness of the situation and represents a misinterpretation that this approach will "balance" and prevent potential conflicts.

"The reintroduction of mandatory military service, which is set to be implemented in Croatia and possibly elsewhere, the increase in troops and personnel in the armed forces, has been announced in all countries, especially the arming efforts. All of this suggests that the situation is very serious and that preventive measures should be taken to prevent potential conflict. Simply balancing through armament does not come at the right time," Ibishi emphasized in an interview with Kosovo Online.

He adds that Western countries do not view such "balancing" as a good solution, which is why the region was recently visited by CIA Director William Burns, as well as senior NATO officials.

"These high-level visits, from the strongest security agency like the CIA, followed by upcoming high-level visits, indicate that all measures will be taken to prevent possible conflicts or the deterioration of the security situation in the region, as such assessments are derived from reports and evaluations of the situation at both the global and regional levels," Ibishi pointed out.

Commenting on the militarization in the Western Balkans, this expert says that it reflects a trend of "dominance in the region" and that two regional military powers have emerged: Serbia and Croatia.

"Croatia has already announced that it has purchased 12 'Rafale' jets and plans to acquire 'Leopard' tanks. This armament follows the trend of dominance in the region, especially between the two slightly larger military powers, Serbia and Croatia," Ibishi emphasized.

He is also convinced that the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Serbia was aimed at easing tensions between Belgrade and Zagreb, as well as discussing the purchase of 'Rafale' fighter jets. Additionally, he believes that the extradition of Milan Radoicic and the group associated with the events of September 24 last year in Banjska was likely discussed.