The radicalisation of Kosovo

• Listen now(Link will open in new window)
• Download audio

Monday 30 May 2016 ABC (view full episode)

 

Image: Kosovo finds itself trying to fend off the threat of radical Islam (Carsten Koall / Getty Images) Link to larger image.

Kosovo has been one of Europe's most pro-American states since the US-led NATO intervention in 1999 helped it break free of Serbian control and gain independence in 2008. But for some time the tide has been turning.

Now, like the rest of Europe, Kosovo finds itself trying to fend off the threat of radical Islam. In the last two years, more than 300 Kosovars, including 28 children, have left Kosovo to join Islamic State in Iraq and Syria; the highest per capita ratio in Europe.

A New York Times report has revealed how Saudi money and influence has radicalised the once-tolerant Muslim country.

https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/pgwOVk0zp7?play=true