During a panel organized by the Clinton Global Initiative, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani discussed the challenges and lessons from the Balkan conflict.

Clinton shared a symbolic story about coexistence, mentioning a taco restaurant where the owner is Kosovar and the manager is Serbian. “That’s a miracle,” he said, stressing the importance of cooperation between communities.

The former president reflected on the historic decision to intervene in Kosovo in 1999, recalling the doubts he initially faced. “Many thought I was crazy when I got involved in Kosovo. But I was convinced that this would be a war won through air power, because the Kosovars would never surrender,” Clinton said, emphasizing that this strategy saved many lives.

President Osmani highlighted that Kosovo has learned freedom should never be taken for granted, and that alliances are essential for the future.