The Hubris of Dr. Dubic

It ended not with a bang, but with a whimper. On a bus to be precise, there were no SWAT team like raids and thankfully no casualties; as one of the world's most wanted war criminals ended his thirteen year run from the law.

And for thirteen years there have been conflicting rumors on Radovan Karadzic's whereabouts. The oft reported rumor was that he disguised himself as a Serbian Orthodox monk, sheltered in monasteries along the Bosnian/Serbian border. It made sense, after all, the Serbian Orthodox Church, as an institution, was one of the key supporters and instruments in the rise of Serbian nationalism in the late 1980s. For the past few years there have been raids, "near misses" and growing rumors over whether or not a deal was made with Karadzic to allow him to escape arrest.

But in the end Karadzic was arrested not in countryside and not disguised as a monk, but in Belgrade and as a New Age doctor.
Reporters, Balkan experts and a host of people much more knowledgeable than I am about Karadzic have stressed his vanity and narcissism. But, few would probably wager a bet that Karadzic would not only hide in plain sight, but revel in his identity as a New Age healer-write articles, attend symposiums, even create his own website. Even his e-mail address (healingwound@dragandabic.com) smacks of incredible degree of narcissism and hubris.

The manner of his arrest, low key and almost anti-climatic is fitting. With Karadzic's own sense of grandeur, from declaring his poetry among the best ever written in the history of Serbian poetry, to declaring himself a self-styled "President"; most people would assume that if Karadzic was ever apprehended, it would be a scene out of a blockbuster movie.
In the end, the arrest turned out to be as banal as Karadzic himself.

KARADZIC ARRESTED

I think the all caps title is warranted in this case. I must say I'm very pleasantly
surprised, and I did not see it coming at all.


Karadzic arrested in Serbia


MAJOR h/t to Owen for informing me of the news.

EXIT Festival

This weekend marks the famed EXIT festival in Novi Sad. Last year the festival attracted a record number of fans from all over Europe; and was named the best festival in Europe.
But while the festival grows each year in popularity; politics is never far removed from the surface.
The festival began in 2000 as an anti-Milosevic regime music fest; this year controversy was raised over allegations that the EXIT fest founders cancelled Bjork's show due to the singer's support for Kosovo's independence.

Games & Elections-Not Necessarily in that Order

Serbia has a new government, which you can read about here and here.
And if you ever wanted the opportunity to help create the next government of Serbia, here is your chance. (Hat Tip: Eric)
I haven't played the online game yet, but just the concept of it seems more entertaining than the Election version of Stratego they're selling at the Barnes & Noble.

Martic Verdict & "Storm"

The title and first paragraph of this article focuses on the reaction of the SRS to the Milan Martic verdict. However I think the more interesting & certainly more relevant point is made further down, as defense lawyers for Gotovina discuss the repercussions the Martic verdict may have on their own case.

Review: With Their Backs To The World

I renewed my interest in Ansne Seierstad's "With Their Backs To The World: Portraits From Serbia" after reading this article about it on the Beyond Sarajevo Blog. The book features 14 characters; all whom represent a different segment of Serbian society during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The book's biggest strength is primarily due to the author's writing talents; (Seierstand also wrote "The Bookseller of Kabul"). She takes, what could be a rather cliche look at Serbian society in the 1990s and early 2000s; full of stock characters like "the nationalist" "the protester" "the democrat" "the religious one"; and writes a deeply effective; and at times moving portrait; of her subjects. In other words; instead of just having her subjects be one dimensional caricatures whose sole purpose is to be the embodiment of a political/social/religious idea; she allows them (if you forgive my overuse of cliches in the piece); to "come to life."

While the writing style is enough to draw in people who are not extensively interested in the Balkans; the book will also be appreciated by those who have a knowledge of the region and want a more in depth look.
Through her featured characters; the author does an impressive job of showing the complexities involved in Serbian political life.
There is probably no issue today as pressing in Serbia and Kosovo as to the status of Kosovo. In her chapter focusing on Kosovo; she takes what could be a rather cliche look at the issue; and provides a more nuanced view. The chapter focuses on the bitter irony of some Serbs who strongly believe that Kosovo is "holy" land; and can never, ever, be separated from Serbia; yet who have a rather prejudice view towards Kosovo Serbs. Some have even gone as far as posting signs forbidding Kosovo Serbs from entering their places of business. And none of them seem to get the irony of speaking in rather sweeping terms about Kosovo; yet in rather dismissive terms about the very refugees from there. Other chapters focus on various people, ranging from a man who makes a living off the black market; to a member of the youth resistance organization, Otpor. From an anonymous family, to the rocker Rambo Amadeus. From a young supporter of Milosevic; to a newly elected democratic mayor.

With Their Backs To The World is a compelling and complex look at a dark time in Serbian society.

Djinjdic's Verdict

Recent articles and analysis on Serbia’s political future usually point to Serbia being at a juxtaposition, between the ultra-nationalist past, and a possible inclusive “European” future. This division has taken place both internally between political parties; as well as externally with regards to debates over the capturing of certain fugitives from justice; the issue of Kosovo, and possible admittance into the EU. This week, a street in Belgrade symbolized where Serbia's political future may lie; and perhaps what might have been.

During the week, a member of the SRS made an oh so subtle sign of support for a certain fugitive from justice in the Serbian parliament. The move caused outcries from some pro-democracy MPs. The streets of Belgrade was also the sight of a similar "show of support" as some supporters of the SRS decided "rename" a street after Ratko Mladic.
Yet, even with all of the attention "Ratko Mladic Boulevard" has received in the press; it is hard not to lose sight of the figure for whom the street is actually in the process of being named for; Zoran Djindjic; the Prime Minister who was assassinated in 2003.
This week, the direct organizers of Mr. Djidjic's murder were sentenced to prison terms. Yet, while those directly involved in Djindjic's assassination have been sentenced to prison; lingering questions still remain as to the full scope of the political atmosphere and involvement in Djindjic's death. As well as an even greater question of where Serbia would be politically today had Mr. Djindjic not been killed; and an even greater question of where Serbia's political future lies.
The answer to that verdict; unlike the trial of Mr. Djindjic's killers is far less than certain.

Birthdays

From the Justwatch-L discussion group, an article on Montenegro's 1st year of independence. And over at East Ethnia, they're celebrating Radio B92's 18th Birthday.

Rock The Vote

According to the Independent, Serbia's democracy was saved at the 11th hour, although some bloggers were less than 100% convinced. Included in the prize package however, is the possible reopening of the SAA talks.
Not to be left out, the ousted Toma Nikolic shared some of his thoughts and predictions with the press.

Meanwhile, onto a less important, but no less controverstrial election; the Eurovision contest.
Bosnia's entry is one of the youngest participants: Maria Sestic. Her song, despite containing lyrics such as:
: "You are my pain, You are my sorrow, Just once more I want, To be with you, And let my heart ache, Forever for you, With it I DIE."(cap. for dramatic effect) ; we are told is really is not a sad song, but a love song. And speaking of sad songs, Spinner Magazine just came out with their list of the 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World (English language songs only though).

Before attending the Eurovision comp. Maria visited Serbia where she was a guest of Serbia's very popular entry, Marija Serifovic.

Rounding out some of the regional finalists include: Alenka Gotar-Slovenia, Korolina-Macedonia, Sarbel-Greece Kenan Dogolu-Turkey, among others.

But alas, no singing competition can be complete without some slight ethnopolitical controversy.


And as a way of uniting these two seemingly disjointed topics (the ousting of Nikolic and the Eurovision competition) together, here is a link to the very entertaining Music for Maniacs Blog.

Street Lids

Pictures of Street Lids from Sarajevo, Ljubljana and Belgrade amongst others. Also, check out the cool t-shirts with the street lid patterns on them.

Employment

While the papers are full with job ads; here are a few positions that just got filled:
Miroslav Lajcak is set to be sixth High Representative to Bosnia; taking over for Christian Schwarz-Schilling.
In Serbia, Tomislav Nikolic of the Serb Radical Party and Seselj political sidekick; recieved 142/244 votes and the post of the President of the Parliament One could probably come to the conclusion that Seselj himself would be voted President; if there wasn't some pesky logistical issue with him being in the Hague.
In that spirit, East Ethnia had designed a list of Government Ministers and officials for the new coalition government.
And if that doesn't work; there is always the dancing robot. I wonder what platform she's running on?

Weekend Reading

The Tribunal weekly update; and the Balkans weekly update.
Meanwhile, I'll be out of town until Monday/possibly Tuesday. Take care!

Djindic Assasination Trial

Article on the closing arguments.

And from the Feral Tribune: murky background to the Belgrade trial of those charged with the 2003 murder of Serbian premier Zoran Ðindic.

Statues of Limitations

There is a new trend in monument buildings in the countries of former
Yugoslavia. After the wars that aimed to eradicate the multi-
cultural character of the former society, now the monuments are built
in celebration of that very character to globally recognized
imaginary heroes that fight for justice and protect the innocent:
Bruce Lee in Mostar (Bosnia), Rocky Balboa in Zitiste (Serbia),
Winettou in Plitvice (Croatia), Tarzan in Medja (Serbia) - birthplace
of Jonny Weismueller, and Samantha Fox (before breast-reduction) in
Cacak, the capital of Serbian country music...

Rest of synopsis and full article (in Croatian)

I'm not aware of the creation stories for the other statues; but I do know that the Mostar statue came about as an attempt to bring together the different communities in Mostar; in the words of one person involved :

Lee was chosen by organisers as a symbol of the fight against ethnic divisions.

"We will always be Muslims, Serbs or Croats," said Veselin Gatalo of the youth group Urban Movement Mostar.

"But one thing we all have in common is Bruce Lee."

Unfortunately, as this picture in the article attests to, someone didn't like that idea, or didn't like Bruce Lee, or perhaps was simply drunk and/or bored and vandalized the statue.

I can understand Jonny Weismueller for the regional connection; and I can even (although I've never made it through a "Rocky" film) understand the Rocky infatuation given "Rocky's" tough-guy, never give up message; but Samantha Fox? It isn't like turbofolk is lacking in similarly um, endowed women; is Fox especially popular in the Balkans?

The Price Of Speaking Out In Serbia

Opinion piece by Dejan Anastasijevic

Scorpions Verdict

A trial chamber in Belgrade convicted 4 Serb paramilitary members for the murder of 6 Bosniaks during the Srebrenica Massacre. The sentences ranged from 5 to the maximum sentence of 20 years. A Croatian court have convicted a Croatian-Serb for his role in the murders.
Natasa Kandic, the Serbian human rights advocate gives her opinion on the verdict and the larger issues surrounding this specific court case.

The Karadzic factor

Did the US promise Karadzic lifetime immunity in exchange for Karadzic dropping out of politics?

Some newspapers in Serbia suggest it is true.


ETA: Holbrooke says it isn't so.

Love and War

This article caught my eye at first because the couple in question is Kosovo-Albanian/Serbian; which is extremely rare is Kosovo/a. Secondly, beyond the couple involved in this specific legal case; the article also raises the much more broader issue of minority rights and protection.

Dutch court grants Albanian-Serb couple appeal against explusion

BIRN update

Mostly focusing on Serbia and Kosovo.
BIRN update.

Serbia has no reason to celebrate

Those reading the newspaper headlines in Serbia in the days after the UN’s highest court cleared the republic of genocide charges could hardly believe that they were all talking about the same verdict.

"Serbia is innocent!" proclaimed the Belgrade tabloid Kurir, a day after the International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment on February 26.

"Serbia was cleared of genocide charges," declared the pro-government Politika daily.

While the liberal daily Danas pronounced, “Serbia was not found innocent."

It’s not just the press in Serbia who had differing views on the ICJ verdict - politicians and analysts also cannot agree whether the ruling gave Serbia more reasons to celebrate than to worry.

(Even without being identified, I could guess which headline belonged to Kurir. ;-) )

Read the full article here.