Abstract
With Kosovo's long-awaited declaration of independence on Sunday, February 17, 2008, the 194th independent state joined the world community. Most people in the West noted the event, vaguely recalled the 1998-99 Kosovo War and NATO bombing campaign, and smiled to themselves "good for them" as they went about their business. European Union member states, especially Britain and Germany, are preparing to recognize Kosovo's independence, as will the United States shortly thereafter. Russia and Serbia, however, are preparing a legal argument to the contrary.