Balkans

The Fall of Vukovar: Oral History of a Croatian Town’s Destruction

On the 30th anniversary of the fall of Vukovar to the Yugoslav People’s Army and Serbian paramilitaries, local residents and Croats who fought to defend the town look back on the devastating three-month siege and its brutal aftermath. The Yugoslav People’s Army, aided by Serb Territorial Defence forces and paramilitaries …

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Turkey’s Pragmatic Policy In The Balkans Has Its Limits – OpEd

The recent crisis in Bosnia has highlighted the adaptability – and limitations – of Turkish policy in the Balkans. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently hosted in Ankara Milorad Dodik, the Serbian member of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, to discuss the political crisis in Bosnia triggered by Dodik’s threat to abandon …

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Вълнуват се от пачките и презервативите. Но пак гласуват за същото.

Хиляди се вълнуват от пачките и кюлчетата, от снимките в спалнята на бившия премиер. Шушукат за кражби и злоупотреби, но пак си гласуват твърдо за ГЕРБ. От какво се интересуват българите всъщност? Коментар на А. Андреев. Дали снимките с пачките евро наистина са от спалнята на бившия премиер г-н Бойко …

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Why is Bosnia on the Brink Again?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is once again making headlines. There is talk of renewed violence, with the blessing of Belgrade and Moscow. But the entire region is in a precarious situation. Back in September 2021, tensions ran high in Montenegro following the decision to anoint Bishop Joanikije II as the new …

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Belgium terrorism convict arrested in Bulgaria

A man convicted of terrorism in Belgium has been detained as he entered Bulgaria through its south-eastern border with Turkey, prosecutors announced on Thursday. Border police and state security agents intercepted the man on Wednesday in a special operation, the prosecution said. He is “sought in relation to a 20-year …

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Grappling with Bosnia’s Dual Crises

What is behind the current crisis in Bosnia? Bosnia and Herzegovina (commonly referred to as Bosnia) is facing a dual challenge that threatens to undo the agreement that ended a war between Serbs, Croats and Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks). The war was marked by the worst atrocities on European soil since …

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North Macedonia’s Opposition Gamble Plays Into Zaev’s Hand – OpEd

A member of parliament gone missing, deputies with COVID in full protective suits stuck for hours in glass cubicles, no quorum for a plenary session to resume, numerous press conferences by the opposition – threats, appeals and frustration. That sums up the dramatic events on Thursday, when the opposition failed …

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Mutiny in Serbia: How a State Security Unit’s Rebellion Went Unpunished

In November 2001, the Serbian State Security Service’s Special Operations Unit staged a mutiny and set up roadblocks. The failure to punish the instigators of the armed revolt would have deadly consequences for the country’s prime minister. “The commander ordered that the Communication Centre will no longer receive calls,” said …

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Viktor Orban’s Visit to Bosnian Serb Strongman Puzzles Observers

The Hungarian premier’s weekend meeting with Bosnian Serb political leader Milorad Dodik has triggered speculation about possible private business deals or secret negotiations about the fate of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Viktor Orban’s meeting with the Serb member of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, Milorad Dodik, on Saturday has continued to puzzle experts …

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Bosniak Leader’s Sudden Death Creates Vacuum in Sandzak

The sudden death of Bosniak strongman Muamer Zukorlic has shocked the mainly Muslim region, which straddles Serbia and Montenegro, and where he left a unique mark. One of the largest crowds that the town of Novi Pazar in southwest Serbia has ever seen gathered on Sunday to say farewell to …

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