For evocative, it is hard to beat the conclusion of a Pentagon official who this week told reporters that “we’re at ground zero” in Kosovo. The unnamed official meant so little progress had been made that American troops were still carrying out duties that should have been turned over to civilians months ago. But given the growing number of confrontations all NATO-led troops are facing, ground zero could sum up Americans’ military position as well.

The U.S. public is in no sense prepared to consider its troops fighting on the ground in Kosovo against either Serbs or Albanian guerrillas, who are increasing their threat of cross-border attacks. Neither the Clinton administration nor Congress has recently offered a reassuring argument for the continued presence of the 6,000 Americans troops stationed in Kosovo or an updated strategy to return the area to civilians. This lack of attention guarantees shock and outrage when U.S. casualty count plays prominently on the evening news.

And that could be soon. U.S. troops Wednesday raided a command post for Albanian militia members. Shots were fired but no casualties on either side listed. If the Albanians come to see NATO troops not as their protectors, as they were earlier, but enemies in the way of a free Kosovo, death is probably inevitable.

This is not merely an American question. While U.S. troops were raiding the Albanian post, French troops were battling with Serbian protestors in northern Kosovo. This three-way clash places NATO — and therefore American — troops in the dangerous middle. The Clinton administration might make the case to the public that trying to establish a civilian authority in this region is worth the risk of casualties. He might argue that with the Serbs disorganized and Albanians signed on to finding a resolution to long-term hostilities, now is the best chance to work to stabilize a part of Europe long beset by violence.

But with the new confrontations, the public should be told of the administration’s thinking on keeping U.S. troops in what appears to be an increasingly perilous position. The sooner the better.