Kosovo remains burdened with a combination of wild capitalism and socialist self-management of 1989 - and no real rule of law. Bolder steps are required on all sides to establish state-like structures which can produce real reform.
Macedonians despair as successive governments become embroiled in corruption scandals.
International officials fear a dispute over an election commission could provoke political instability in Albania.
Pristina is enjoying a new lease of life almost a year after it was turned into a ghost town.
Macedonians are racked with fears over terrorism, organised crime and a new conflict in Serbia.
Hundreds of army reservists have taken to the streets of Kraljevo to protest against the Yugoslav government's latest draft.
French KFOR troops are struggling to fend off accusations of bias in Mitrovica's ethnic powder-keg.
Serbia and Montenegro have resolved a stormy border dispute, which brought the two republics close to war.
Police terror in southern Serbia has forced thousands of Albanians to seek refuge in Kosovo.
The Serbian government is demoralising opposition-controlled local authorities.
