By Senator Joni Ernst, guest columnist
July 15, 2016
Kosovo is a young nation, and only eight years after declaring independence, it is working through growing pains and getting stronger. Many of Kosovo’s struggles – including high unemployment, corruption, and ethnic division – are shared by new democracies with a war-torn past. But in addition, Kosovo must overcome unique and challenging obstacles.
Currently, Kosovo maintains a professional security force, whose main mission is civil protection and humanitarian assistance. However, the country is in the process of integrating women into the force and transitioning toward a formal military, all while its government continues to work toward normalization of relations with Serbia and greater international integration.
Moreover, Kosovo’s parliament is still learning to work together. During a visit last December, Secretary of State John Kerry rightly encouraged all parties to renounce the use of violence in public life and come together to work toward the resolution of their differences and the advancement of the interests of the country as a whole. We must be mindful that just 17 years ago, Kosovo was engaged in a devastating war; the country’s progress since is truly remarkable.
When I met with the leaders of Kosovo, each of them attributed the country’s growth, in part, to the people in the United States – but even more specifically, to Iowa.
They give us this great respect because, after NATO intervened in 1999 to stop the atrocities on the ground in Kosovo, and just a few short years after declaring their independence in 2008, the Iowa National Guard entered into a State Partnership Program with Kosovo to share many of the humanitarian skills our ready warriors are best known for.
And in 2013, Iowa and Kosovo officially became Sister States.
What has followed is a series of exchanges in education, business and agriculture, as well as the establishment of a consulate in Des Moines.
Recent visits by U.S. officials to Kosovo affirmed our continued support for the country, and my home state of Iowa will continue to stand with the people of Kosovo, too – not only through our National Guard, but also through our colleges and universities, farmers, entrepreneurs, host families, students, and elected officials.
With ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, we cannot afford to turn our back on this predominantly Muslim nation which has proven itself an ally with a strong desire to align itself with America.
In fact, in an effort to address the estimated 300 Kosovar citizens fighting alongside Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria, Kosovo has implemented new legislation to halt radical Islam within its borders and taken steps to ensure that radicalized individuals are not leaving the country to fight abroad. Moreover, in 2014, the Government of Kosovo joined our global efforts to combat ISIS.
The vast majority of people in Kosovo want to work with the United States and our allies to counter the rise of terrorism, and they continue to work toward the goal of a prosperous nation full of the freedoms we enjoy every day.
In addition to sustaining and building upon its efforts to counter violent extremism, the Government of Kosovo must focus on coming together as a country, rooting out corruption, advancing the rule of law, and consolidating progress to strengthen its democracy. As it does so, we in the United States – and the State of Iowa – will be here for support.
The rolling hills of Kosovo are full of opportunities for the United States, and especially Iowa, to have a positive impact on a nation ready to take its place in the world.
As the people of Kosovo expressed their appreciation, it made me incredibly proud of the United States and the wonderful state I represent.
SUPER nite at RNC – GO TRUMP !!! PS I believe Joni is being groomed by the republicans – she must be their pick for the first woman president – sorry Hillary your a has been and lucky not to do jail time – ps – this doe s not mean Joni is the best woman available but she would click if she helped out more struggling americans and stopped trying to save some foreign country -take some of that foreign aid and give it to SS people – their retirement is a shame and not a raise in over 5 years of any value – 5 bucks a month ! You could not buy a bottle of beer in DC for that SHAME SHAME SHAME.
Atta Girl…save the world Joni! You did such a great job your next speaking gig will be at the Dem Convention.
Liberal ????
Ridiculous, you were elected to represent Iowa not another country, your focus needs to be on Iowa and the Iowan citizens, which has not been properly managed for decades, stay out of other counties business.
Make’m sqeal?
Why? So you and Osama can give it all away to illegals and Muslim immigrants?
See your point BUT maybe you should spent a little more time helping out NEEDY AMERICANS.