NATO Plays a Quiet Role in Balkan Arms Buildup

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ALREADY riven by ethnic warfare, the Balkans are bulking up on arms, causing concern among some experts.

Independent analyses done by experts in Washington, Berlin, and London show that Greece and Turkey - historic enemies although nominal NATO allies - have been accumulating large stockpiles of heavy weapons from other NATO nations. The weapons include combat aircraft, tanks, and artillery.

Other countries in the region are also making efforts to upgrade their arsenals. In May, Bulgaria signed agreements with its historic ally, Russia, to begin a series of arms-production projects. And Romania won a contract from Bell Helicopter to assemble 96 Cobra attack …