Guys, this Montenegro thing is bugging me. For a few reasons. Not least of which that they're a NATO country fulfilling their obligation in Afghanistan, as I've said. But also because there's a no-shit issue of Russian interference there. Not just in the attempted coup in 2016
The country still is divided between tribes (yes, Montenegro is a tribal country) and the old factions from Yugoslavia. The south, closer to the coast, is very friendly to the West. Pro-NATO. The north, more rural, less money coming in, is more pro-Russia.
Why Russia? Because Montenegro has plenty of Russian millionaires who use it as a holiday playground. Russian money goes a long way there. It gets into the country's politics as well - where it also goes a long way. Corruption is a problem that many people are fighting
As always, corruption in the government undermines trust in it. Currently, the government is pro-NATO. That doesn't mean there's no corruption, however. Which makes the politics all the more fractious. That, and it falls along NATO/EU vs Russia lines
The military of Montenegro is very small - under 2000 - but are motivated, hungry to learn, & eager to give back to NATO. Their officers attend our Army basic officer leader courses & are excited to work with us - & excited to deploy. They're a delight to work with.
What I'm saying is, little Montenegro is facing a battle against corruption and divisions along old lines. They need all the support that they can get. They're zero threat to Russia, except that they're a former Yugoslav satellite that is discovering what freedom is.
Having worked with their military on previous occasions, I'm disheartened by some of the rhetoric out their. I would like to think that they'd have our support as their democracy and military evolve.
