Welcome to the New Kosovo

Kosovo shows signs of substantial progress since my visits here in 2003 and 2005. The road from the Pristina airport to my "home" in Gjakova seems cleaner and more prosperous than I have ever seen it.

I was very excited to arrive in a free Kosovo for the first time since the February 17 declaration of independence. At the airport, all the trappings of statehood were evident: the new flag, an official welcome sign from the government, and Kosovar passport control officers. Much different (at least in spirit) than the previous procedures run by the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.

Unemployment here is still extraordinarily high, prices are up, and the electricity is still sporadic (but much better than before). The new Kosovo has a long way to go. But the trend lines look very good for the moment.

More on Kosovo:

• Joy in Kosovo
• A Gift for Kosovo
• The Kosovar Moment
• The Kosovo Decision