US KFOR in the North

During the last several days, there has been a flurry of news reports about US elements of KFOR moving into northern Kosovo. Albanians tended to see this as a good thing as it would seem to support extending Pristina's authority north of the Ibar. Northern Serbs reacted negatively for the same reason. But there is probably less here than meets the eye.
The changes underway in KFOR reflect NATO's decision – announced last October – to slim down to 5000 troops by March of this year from its then current 10000. Already, KFOR has been reducing to around 8000 with some contingents – like the Finns – departing along the way. This creates the need to reduce the number of battalions in KFOR from four to two. The two remaining battalions will be headquartered in Pec and Ferizaj. The French reportedly will be leaving Camp Belvedere (a great loss for anyone who had regular access to the excellent restaurant there). But it appears that the north will continue to be the responsibility of the French, who will remain headquartered in Novo Selo as part of the battalion "commanded" by the Americans from Camp Bondsteel. Reportedly, some US troops also will be operating in the north this spring.
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