The Conflict

Tensions between the Macedonian and Albanian communities in the Republic of Macedonia have been high since the 1980s; in 2001 the hostilities have descended into violence and mass flight.

Political

• Albanian rebels are demanding increased civil rights in terms of education, language, employment, and expression of national identity. Most Albanians agree with these demands, but many do not agree with the use of violence.
• Macedonians fear that ethnic Albanians will attempt to form a separate nation if they are granted too much autonomy, resulting in the state fragmenting and falling prey to hostile neighbors.
• Macedonians strongly resent international intervention and are reacting against it.

Ethnic

• Macedonians claim that Albanians are not committed to a multiethnic Macedonian state and hope to separate western Macedonia from the rest of the country to create a "Greater Albania."
• The war in Kosovo divided...