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United Nations

Discord and Harmony in the War for Peace in Bosnia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Bosnian conflict seemed to hit a roadblock Wednesday when the plane carrying US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke to Serbia was rerouted to avoid NATO air strikes against Bosnian Serb forces. However, the real message behind this incident was one of coordinated international action, as the UN and NATO military operations sent a powerful warning to those responsible for civilian deaths in safe areas: retaliatory action would be swift and long-lasting. The occasion was tragic, with 37 civilians killed in a single shell in Sarajevo on Monday, prompting a strong response from the international community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US, UN, and NATO have shown a willingness to take action against Bosnian Serb forces responsible for civilian deaths, as evidenced by the recent air strikes and Holbrooke's visit to Serbia.
  • The international community has used leverage to pressure Serb President Slobodan Milosevic, including an embargo, in order to secure a compromise in Bosnia.
  • The earlier inaction after nearly 70 civilians died from Serb artillery fire on Tuzla in June highlights the difficulties of coordinating an international response to the conflict.
  • Assistant Secretary of State Holbrooke's mission represents a commitment to finding a peaceful resolution in Bosnia, with the endorsement of the Bosnian Serbs being a key factor.
  • The coordinated UN and NATO military actions serve as a reminder that the international community will not tolerate further civilian deaths in safe areas.
  • The incident demonstrates a shift towards a more assertive policy by the Western powers in addressing the Bosnian conflict.
  • The US-led NATO air strikes against Bosnian Serb forces have set a precedent for future retaliatory action against those responsible for civilian deaths.

Statistics:

  • 37 civilians were killed in a single shell in Sarajevo on Monday, inciting a strong response from the international community.
  • Nearly 70 civilians died from Serb artillery fire on Tuzla in June, but there was no similar retaliatory action at the time.
  • The deaths in Sarajevo on Monday prompted a decisive response, including US Assistant Secretary of State Holbrooke's mission to Serbia.

Sources:

  • "Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke has begun a mission to persuade Serbia's President Slobodan Milosevic to endorse a compromise in Bosnia".
  • "The US, U.N. and NATO have shown a willingness to take action against Bosnian Serb forces responsible for civilian deaths, as evidenced by the recent air strikes and Holbrooke's visit to Serbia."

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