The Current Discussion: Are the U.S. and Europe right to recognize Kosovo and continue to poke Russia with a stick?

I'm very glad the U.S. and Europe have regained some guts in international politics and recognized Kosovo. It's the right thing to do even though Russia may understandably feel being poked with a stick.

I could only wish the U.S. and Europe would have the same courage to poke a stick to another big power in order to support another independence-seeking smaller nation. But I share with the sentiment in this editorial from Taiwan's Liberty Times that the island state won't be able to follow Kosovo's footsteps anytime soon. In fact, Taiwan has already extended it recognition towards Kosovo but Pristina has yet to reciprocate Taipei.

Kosovo poses a dilemma for China. If Beijing is to recognize Pristina, the Chinese communists worry that it would set another precedent for Taipei's cause. If China is to make life more difficult for Kosovo, there's a chance for Pristina to establish ties with Beijing's enemy at the end of the day.

Without the support from the U.S., Kosovo would not have been able to become independent. In the same vein, Taiwan won't be able to formalize its independence without the support from the U.S. Washington has just done a right thing in Europe. Washington should follow suit in Asia.