Pictures from the Balkans show familiar scenes of displaced refugees, burnt out villages and tales of ethnic cleansing.

After the wars in Bosnia and Croatia, the world said it would act to prevent a recurrence of such suffering. But could it all be about to happen again?

There is every sign that the conflict in Kosovo could spread and even spill over international boundaries into Albania and Macedonia.

Pope John Paul has said the world cannot stay inert before the violence, repression and fleeing of the population.

And the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, says he is deeply disturbed by what he called Serb atrocities against unarmed civilians.

But the Serbs say they are merely chasing after 'terrorists' who wish to overturn internationally recognised borders. The Albanians of Kosovo however say their legitimate aspirations for autonomy have been ignored for years by Belgrade.

What should the international community do?

Are tighter economic sanctions against Serbia a realistic proposition? Or should the west send troops to stop the fighting?

What do you think?

Should the world intervene in Kosovo?

Sanctions have failed to stop the conflict so military intervention seems the only solution...
Samantha Jones, US

Your reaction in full

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