Mysteries at The Hague

Toronto Sun ^ | August 25, 2004 | PETER WORTHINGTON

[wonders]

The better result would have been an Abdic victory over Dudakovic, but that didn't happen.

Yes, but it would have complicated things for the International Overlords of BiH, no?

Do you regret not being in Croatia during 1991 so that you could get a better understanding of the entire situation?

If I had a nickel for every time a Croat or a Serb asked me that question.... Yes, I have often wished so. Although I was very happy where I was in 1991, thank you. I have studied the lead up to and beginning of the war rather in depth, but that's not the same as being there, I know.

I'm really not that bad, Dio. Everyone here knows how many nasty names I have called the RSK leadership. And I do know that Croats suffered, that Croats were killed and tortured and thrown out of their homes. And I worked hard to help Croats during my time in your beautiful country, too. I don't have much use for your late president-doctor-president, I'm afraid, but I very much like the people of Croatia.

But I'm not going ever be too popular with you I guess because I hold that Tudjman and Milosevic were equally at fault in starting that war. And also, sorry, but you Croats have to rise a higher standard because you set that higher standard for yourselves: you live in an internationally-recognised nation state which you claim belongs in full community with Western Europe.

[wonders]

I'm glad you are a reasonable critic of the UN. Such are rare on FR, it seems. Thank you for well-thought-out and tempered remarks.

I see you are better-read than most on Rwanda. Well done. Thank you for the links. Ever notice most people look at you like have two heads if you try to hint at the French connection? Or maybe that's changed by now.

Yes, the UN isn't an organisation all unto itself. Sometimes the UN is used quite cynically by certain powers. What's the old joke about the UN being the USA's favourite power tool?

I do welcome thoughtful criticism of the UN and of peacekeeping and conflict resolution in general. And I accept your withdrawal of your criticism of Gen. Dallaire. I know I was rather passionate in my defense of him and the others, which I do not withdraw. Sorry to use a tired analogy but here goes: It was okay to protest the war in Viet Nam. It was not okay to spit on our returning troops and call them baby killers.

Glad to have made your acquaintance after all.

[vooch]

Silajdzic was a irresponsible corrupt war monger who made Hitler's mad-dog rants seem mild in comparasion