THE ALBANIANS, THE ONLY PRO BUSH SUPPORT IN EUROPE

McCain's Edge in Albania

"THE WASHINGTON POST"

By Patrick O’Brien
Obama would probably be the clear victor if the American election were held in Europe. But in little Albania, McCain would probably win. Albanians tend to view both candidates through the double lens of support for Kosovar independence and support for Albania's integration into Western institutions.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February, but the new state's struggle for legitimacy is far from over. Since both Albania and Kosovo are predominantly ethnic-Albanian, the Albanian government has been the staunchest supporter of their "brethren in Kosovo".

In such a light, McCain's tougher reputation and- more importantly - his history of supporting Albanians (especially for his support of the bombing of Belgrade in '99) make him seem the more likely candidate to ensure that Kosovo remains independent.The political landscape of the Albanian-American immigrant community is one indicator for this (admittedly close) hypothetical race. Former Republican Congressman Joe DioGuardi, who has Albanian roots, is the founder of the Albanian American Civic League and has long been the most prominent voice of the Albanian diaspora He makes no secret of his support for the McCain campaign.

Patrick O'Brien is an MA student at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He previously served two years as a volunteer with Peace Corps Albania.

more see:http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/sais/nexteurope/2008/10/mccains_edge_in_albania.html