My friend Jovica once called the period of Serbia’s history in the nineties as “the insanity”. Today, that insanity has come to a partial end with the capture of Radovan Karadzic.
In case anyone’s forgotten, Karadzic is the man largely responsible for the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, and for the largest massacre in Europe since World War 2. In Srebrenica, almost exactly 13 years ago today, 8,373 Bosnian Muslims. If the term “ethnic cleansing” resonates with you today, it’s largely because of this man.
These were his words, Directive 7:
Complete the physical separation of Srebrenica from Žepa as soon as possible, preventing even communication between individuals in the two enclaves. By planned and well-thought out combat operations, create an unbearable situation of total insecurity with no hope of further survival or life for the inhabitants of Srebrenica.
What’s noteworthy his capture is that it was effected the newly elected government, led by Boris Tadic. His goal to have Serbia enter the European Union has been hindered by Serbia’s protection of both Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, the general who implemented Directive 7. Tadic’s government is only months old, and this decision (the decision to root Karadzic out of the mountains and caves of his youth) certainly bodes well.
But as I’ve written before, I don’t believe that Serbs “get it”. Joce thought not as well. This is certainly a step, but ultra-nationalism continues to thrive in Republika Srpska. History and birthright are strong in this land.