Poor Macedonia

Turning to Stupid International News, we come to an interesting confrontation taking place between the country of Macedonia, and everyone in NATO. It turns out, Macedonia would like to join the club, which would be fine… if Greece didn’t decide that they own the name Macedonia. That’s right, there is a province in Greece called “Macedonia” and Greek officials say they’ll block Macedonia’s entry into NATO unless they CHANGE THE NAME OF THEIR COUNTRY.

Macedonia

I thought this was a joke at first, but there are plenty of articles about it. Here’s what Wonkette had to say:

Macedonia wants to join NATO, but it can’t unless it changes its name. You see, existing NATO member Greece also has a province called “Macedonia,” and it doesn’t want anyone to get confused. Last month a U.N. special negotiator put forward a list of five names that Macedonia might want to consider, but the country turned up its nose in horrified disgust. What were these terrible alternate names?

“Constitutional Republic of Macedonia, Democratic Republic of Macedonia, Independent Republic of Macedonia, New Republic of Macedonia, and Republic of Upper Macedonia.”

No wonder they didn’t bite. Macedonia needs a new and exciting name, like “Barack Obama.” And now time is running out on the beleaguered Balkan country because the NATO summit us under way, as we speak!

Can you believe that? So, what do you think will happen? Will Macedonia change their name to one of the ones offered? Will they go in a completely different direction? Or will they just give Greece the finger and keep rockin’ their name? Will be interesting (and stupid) to say the least!