Balkans: Clearing the backyard

By Robin Oakley
CNN.com European Political Editor

LONDON, England (CNN) -- In recent years, Europe's relations with America have been dominated by defence and security issues, including armed conflicts in the Balkans.

There was a split when the U.S. insisted on backing and arming Bosnian Muslims when much of Europe was playing a more sophisticated balancing game with partition in mind.

Washington's reluctance to commit ground troops in Bosnia and in Kosovo induced much muttering in EU capitals. But Europe could not have contained either crisis without American expenditure, armaments and transportation facilities.

The U.S. is making it clear that it is now looking to the EU to repair the shattered infrastructure in the Balkans and to help regenerate the region's industry -- without much help from the United States.

The feeling in Washington is very much that the United States has done its bit and that it is now up to Europe to clear up the mess in its own backyard.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, for one, has acknowledged the justice of that approach. But with the Balkans now a key test for Europe's nations, both economically and politically, Washington still feels it has to prod.

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