Despite recent border clashes and escalating threats between Serbia and Kosovo, a widespread outbreak of ethnic violence remains unlikely in north Kosovo due to the large presence of NATO peacekeepers in the region and Western diplomatic pressure. On Dec. 10-11, tensions flared in north Kosovo as hundreds of ethnic Serbs erected roadblocks using heavy machinery at two border crossings with Serbia, obstructing traffic in the Zvecan and Leposavic areas. The Serbs exchanged gunfire with the Kosovar police near the Brnjak checkpoint, while EULEX -- the European Union mission tasked with patrolling northern Kosovo -- confirmed that an unidentified individual also threw a stun grenade at one of its armored vehicles. Kosovar authorities said two Serbs were arrested for attacking police officers. But no injuries have been reported following the incidents, which marked the worst escalation of ethnic violence in Kosovo since 2004. In response to the latest flare-up, Serbian President...
