How Will Kosovo Affect Expats Returning to Serbia?

/ 19.02.2008. u 20:11

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This Valentine's Day, I was in Belgrade's Delta City Mall watching dressed up couples cooing at each other in the food court next to McDonalds. Then we tooka few days off to visit my husband's family in Croatia and now it seems 800 youth are breaking various Belgrade McDonald's' windows.

Watching events via TV and Internet while temporarily outside the country, I begin to wonder if our Serbia dreams will have to be delayed. What does recalling ambassadors mean to the ordinary foreigner? Will I need to get a Visa someday soon to visit my own home in Sombor? Am I risking being turned away at the border someday soon because I bear a US passport?

The situation makes me think of the other foreign-born spouses of Serbs who want to return to their homeland. There are plenty of us, I know because many of them email me privately. I also consider the many young adult Serbs - often aged 22-30 - who were primarly raised and educated outside Serbia, who have been strongly considering moving back to their parent's homeland. There are thousands of them, including my own step-children. I know because many of them email me as well, asking for relocation or employment advice. (I'm sorry I'm not much help as I do not have the connections or knowledge yet to be useful.)

And then I think of my own husband, whose hopes were raised about the future of his country so much that he wanted to buy that flat in Belgrade this month... and now he exclaims "Oh God it will take another decade for the Serbia to be even half normal!"

I am not blaming any for this situation, or suggesting any kind of solution.

But then, there on the counter of my local Croatian Internet cafe are displayed a fat stack of glittering, colorful brochures on very heavy paper. They explain in glorious promotional detail, the wonderful economic benefits Croatian Expats now get if they move back home. Including no customs on your household goods or your car when you ship it over. Plus, there's more glowing copy outling for supposedly-fabulous quality of life you'll have when you move. Internet, culture, medicine, highways, etc. Not to mention the pretty pictures.

Former Croatians are being wooed back by their homeland. Expat Serbs are wondering what on earth will happen next.

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Srki 20:35 19.02.2008

flat

Dammit, Rose, I was gonna offer you to buy my apartment in Belgrade, I don't need it anymore! Too late, I guess ;-).

Hey, bad joke, I am just kidding with you...
Wait a little bit, I think nothing will change seriously if we make so much fuss about it. And we need you guys there, badly, who's gonna make balance if Russians start coming ;-). I still like McCrap better then borsch ;-).

What was the reason for you to plan on moving to Belgrade? Already got bored in Sombor? Think twice, Sombor may end up in EU sooner then Belgrade...

Rosemary Bailey Brown 21:23 19.02.2008

Sombor vs Beograd

Oh we love Sombor. But there are times in the deep midwinter when you just need to see new faces and be someplace a bit less ... flat than Vojvodina. But if I had to pick between a Serbian and Vojvodina passport, that would be an easy choice - I like Serbia, but I love Sombor.

boskonet 22:20 19.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

I am from Novi Sad, but living in Scandinavia last 6 years, and I have the same doubt, to go home to Serbia, or to stay here.
My girlfriend's answer on this doubt is usually: If you are not ready to live in country where you don't know what will be tommorow, and country where you can not plan your life, DO NOT COME BACK.
But, I grew up in that country and I survived all bullshits in past, and I know I will survive all shits in future.
I will start making house in Novi Sad next spring, and I am moving back next autumn to my loved Novi Sad, Vojvodina and Serbia.
So, my advice for you is "If you are not ready to live in country where you don't know what will be tommorow, and country where you can not plan your life, DO NOT MOVE TO SERBIA. But if you are ready for some "turbulences", just move.
Serbia is country like that, never borring, and lot of surprises.

P.S. sorry because of bad English

mikimedic 14:54 20.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

You don't have to pick, Rosemary, as fortunately you will never have that choice. I suppose you would be happy with Serbian passport. Or you know something that I don't?

Turnesol 22:53 20.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

Congratulations! You were the first ever to ban me on these blogs! It would be nice if you told why, because after all, there are rules. I didn't curse, I was polemic, but not offensive, making a comment on your arrogance.

Good bye, I wish you to enjoy Serbia, if you can. But I bet you can't, although you would love to. Soon, It will just explode inside you and you will want to leave. Unless you take a closer and better look.

Supermod 23:33 20.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

Turnesol
Congratulations! You were the first ever to ban me on these blogs! It would be nice if you told why, because after all, there are rules. I didn't curse, I was polemic, but not offensive, making a comment on your arrogance.

Good bye, I wish you to enjoy Serbia, if you can. But I bet you can't, although you would love to. Soon, It will just explode inside you and you will want to leave. Unless you take a closer and better look.

Actually you were very offensive. Supermod deleted your comment.

Srki 02:24 21.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

Supermod
Turnesol
Congratulations! You were the first ever to ban me on these blogs! It would be nice if you told why, because after all, there are rules. I didn't curse, I was polemic, but not offensive, making a comment on your arrogance.

Good bye, I wish you to enjoy Serbia, if you can. But I bet you can't, although you would love to. Soon, It will just explode inside you and you will want to leave. Unless you take a closer and better look.

Actually you were very offensive. Supermod deleted your comment.

Hey Supermod-e, don't tell me that someone actually reads all this scribbling?!?!? Or you have some software in place that looks for keywords, now in both languages? Just curious ;-). How quickly you can catch up offenders, you seem to be pretty quick! Anyway, thanks for watching and protecting us from us.

Atomski mrav 11:47 21.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

But if I had to pick between a Serbian and Vojvodina passport, that would be an easy choice - I like Serbia, but I love Sombor.

Why don't you try with Kosovo passport? They just love Americans down there, you wouldn't have any problems entering Kosovo, I'm sure.

Turnesol 14:18 21.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

Actually you were very offensive. Supermod deleted your comment.

You have deleted my post again but you are very wrong if you think it makes any different.

You have misused the power you have and it will be soon before they throw you out. Being a watchdog means you should care for insults not opinions. Nob.

BeogradjaninOdFloride 13:37 24.02.2008

Re: Sombor vs Beograd

don't even go there, not even in the blog...Thanks...I would reather have US passeport than tex-Mex one or Miami-Cuban...Because I like US more...

Gonzo 20:50 19.02.2008

ALmost not at all.

It might affect only those that intend to return to Kosovo. So far, I have not met anyone

pnbb 21:34 19.02.2008

fate

Am I risking being turned away at the border someday soon because I bear a US passport?

same risk as do have a bearer of a non us passport, at the us border

meaning maybe

mikimedic 15:00 20.02.2008

Re: fate

.... or a Serb wishing to transit Heathrow, staying at the transit zone. Actually, it is not even a maybe, it is one Great NO (Great as in Great Britain), unless you have TRANSIT VISA!!!......

Which... actually I don't mind at all, since as I have no transit visa I am not able to experience British Airways, and instead
am stuck with Qatar, Emirates and Etihad. Not a bad choice. One big thanks to UK transit visa authorities...

Vodzo Modzo 22:47 19.02.2008

The miracle of life

Life is miraculous! You don't know, sense, comprehend things, until you feel them on your own skin.

Aleksandra Mitrovic 23:37 19.02.2008

What about Serbian passport in USA?

Am I risking being turned away at the border someday soon because I bear a US passport?

All Serbians having the same feeling on almoust any border in the world....so what's the problem?

They explain in glorious promotional detail, the wonderful economic benefits Croatian Expats now get if they move back home

Do you realy beleve everything you read?

Palilula 00:58 20.02.2008

Hi

I do share your concerns. My husband is an American as well. We did feel the same way back in 1999, even though he was one of the organizers of anti - bombing protests in the US. I do not believe that anything will change, however one thing that must change is the ridicules registration of foreign citizens in the police upon the arrival. This is clearly a communist law and no one is talking about it.

Srki 01:13 20.02.2008

Re: Hi

Palilula
I do share your concerns. My husband is an American as well. We did feel the same way back in 1999, even though he was one of the organizers of anti - bombing protests in the US. I do not believe that anything will change, however one thing that must change is the ridicules registration of foreign citizens in the police upon the arrival. This is clearly a communist law and no one is talking about it.

Tjah, I know, it is not the most pleasurable thing to do, but how's that worst then taking fingerprints and photographs in both embassy and port of entry, weather you are entering or leaving the country (US)?

I had to take my g-friend to a local PD on one occasion while she was in BGD, but the police officers were quite correct and professional. Although, they couldn't help to exercise their rank and authority over me for couple of minutes for bringing her after about a week instead of right away...

Palilula 02:22 20.02.2008

Re: Hi

I agree, entering US is not the best border crossing experience.

Srki 07:08 20.02.2008

Re: Hi

Palilula
I agree, entering US is not the best border crossing experience.

Especially if you try it by road. From Mexico. And you are not an American or a Mexican. On January 1.
Man, that sucks!. But once you are in, you can feel it: cause you are rockin' in the free world!
Just watch for those Texas state troopers if you don't have proper license plates or seat belts in place! Never mind, I am trolling here big time...

Rose, I'll be honest with you: somehow, I don't have energy to be a bad guy on your blog and give you my usual crap about things that are obvious to anybody. I actually had and have a lot of sympathy for you and your enterprise of living in S, allow me to say - like a human probe balloon, to see how and if the things are changing there. And I really feel bad for even tinniest insecurity that you may be experiencing now, like I am partially responsible for it. Man, even such a bad-ass American cheek that left this beautiful and normal (as it gets ;-)) country and decided to live in Serbia, cannot do it regularly. God dammit!
Although, you may think of it as a part of joy: I tried that before, it worked for a while, honestly ;-). Ok, I don't wanna be cynical now and rude, sneering at you and your problems.

Hey, by the way, how's your Serbian going? Are you trying to learn it? Do you use any material, or your husband is the material ;-)? When are we going to read your blog in bad Serbian, as bad as our English is, if not worse? ;-)))))

One piece of advise for the end: since you have such a good (and mostly unfunded) opinion on Serbs and you were always trying to be nice and respectful, even stubbornly trying to make us gain some self-respect: please don't say in public how Croatia might be better place for ex-pats! Oh boy, that hurts! ;-). Don't even mention that you have had in your lovely hands some luxurious leaflets claiming that nonsense, we all know it's a scam! ;-). Please don't ruin our good international relation accidentally! ;-). And my favorite scuba diving instructor will forgive you ;-).

Anyway, I wish you good luck, which means quick recovery of our government and country from this madness, so if you buy that apartment in Belgrade perhaps I could invite myself for a cup of coffee and ratluk ;-).

Igor_Jaramaz 12:21 20.02.2008

Re: Hi

Srki
Palilula
I do share your concerns. My husband is an American as well. We did feel the same way back in 1999, even though he was one of the organizers of anti - bombing protests in the US. I do not believe that anything will change, however one thing that must change is the ridicules registration of foreign citizens in the police upon the arrival. This is clearly a communist law and no one is talking about it.

Tjah, I know, it is not the most pleasurable thing to do, but how's that worst then taking fingerprints and photographs in both embassy and port of entry, weather you are entering or leaving the country (US)?

I had to take my g-friend to a local PD on one occasion while she was in BGD, but the police officers were quite correct and professional. Although, they couldn't help to exercise their rank and authority over me for couple of minutes for bringing her after about a week instead of right away...

"You broke the law, you can be fined 6000 dinars and spend two days in jail whereas your girlfriend now needs to leave the country and re-enter (going through customs in Nikola Tesla doesn't count) and then come back here to register properly within 24 hours of entering the country..." ... "haha, just messing with you" the cops usually say after they've had their fun for about 5-15 minutes depending on how slow a day they had

Seriously, that 1920's Soviet calque law needs to be scrapped, what is the point of having a law that is not applied/respected (according to which I should register every time I move from one opstina to another), it just bemeans the whole legal system and promotes disrespect for the whole legal system as people (un)consciously selectively apply/respect it which is one of the main obstacles to establishing the rule of law in any country, Serbia or otherwise.

Nietzsches Aprentice 02:58 20.02.2008

...

My family ties are too strong for me to allow the current government to affect my decision about the ultimate return home. But one thing is for certain - I cannot expect any benefits form my country with the government the way it is right now and I will return only when I am for the most part independent from what the politicians do... Might be 5 years, might be a few more. Might be an idealistic hope, too... But I have to believe that I can achieve that.

bobo 09:20 20.02.2008

Re: ...

Nietzsches Aprentice
Might be an idealistic hope, too... But I have to believe that I can achieve that.

Barack, is that you??? :)))

man ray loves me 01:13 21.02.2008

Re: ...

But I have to believe that I can achieve that.

I strongly doubt that Nietzsche would do the same... :)

i sta ja trazim tu 09:15 20.02.2008

return

I am outside of Serbia in the last ten years. I was planning my return home for the next year, and not even another war and bombing will stop me to come back.

Cheers!

Srki 16:27 20.02.2008

Re: return

i sta ja trazim tu
I am outside of Serbia in the last ten years. I was planning my return home for the next year, and not even another war and bombing will stop me to come back.

Cheers!

Maybe that's because you missed the last one (bombing).
Have fun there!

Jelena Pavlović 12:50 20.02.2008

To return, or not return

Recent happenings in the Serbian capital made me finally decide that I will never return to live in that country. There is nothing even remotely familiar with even a tiny bit of memory that I may have about my city, and its people. I will let, yet once again, others to change Belgrade and finally turn it into a foreign city without the actual foreigners.

Sepulturero 13:57 20.02.2008

Expats

Rosemary, please do not pretend to talk in name of "expat Serbs" like you do in the last paragraph of your text. How many of them do you know and how do you know what they think?

oldtajmer 23:33 20.02.2008

One expat's comment

A fellow expat told me the other day, something to the effect of - after reading all the Kosovo news, I now know no one wants to live with Serbs in Serbia. Some want to secede, others just move out!

Shumar 23:36 20.02.2008

Kosovo Battle

It is difficult to assess the importance of the Kosovo Battle for world history. Such is also the case with the battles at the Alamo or Gettysburg, which are so important for American history. However, it is undeniable that the Battle of Kosovo was exceptionally significant not only for Serbia, but also for Europe and European Christian civilization.

It is a fact that on Vidovdan, June 28, 1389, the Serbs, without help from a single European nation, defended on Kosovo Field not only the frontiers of their own territory and lives of their people, but, at the risk of losing their national independence, they also defended the interests and security of Christian Europe. In the conflict of 2 rival civilizations, the Muslim and the Christian, the Serbs checked the wave of the Turkish invasion, interposed themselves as a wall between the Turks and Europe, and enabled Europe to make preparations for its own defense. It is questionable whether the history of Europe would have been the same without the Battle of Kosovo and the sacrifice of the Serbian nation.

Srki 03:22 21.02.2008

Re: Kosovo Battle

Shumar

It is difficult to assess the importance of the Kosovo Battle for world history. Such is also the case with the battles at the Alamo or Gettysburg, which are so important for American history. However, it is undeniable that the Battle of Kosovo was exceptionally significant not only for Serbia, but also for Europe and European Christian civilization.

It is a fact that on Vidovdan, June 28, 1389, the Serbs, without help from a single European nation, defended on Kosovo Field not only the frontiers of their own territory and lives of their people, but, at the risk of losing their national independence, they also defended the interests and security of Christian Europe. In the conflict of 2 rival civilizations, the Muslim and the Christian, the Serbs checked the wave of the Turkish invasion, interposed themselves as a wall between the Turks and Europe, and enabled Europe to make preparations for its own defense. It is questionable whether the history of Europe would have been the same without the Battle of Kosovo and the sacrifice of the Serbian nation.

Don't be a forest parrot, my dear Forester, like many others ;-). I keep hearing this story all my life, mainly from people who didn't contribute pretty much anything to make Serbia or Kosovo any better place than they found it. Are you trying to convince yourself in something, or us? Since I am sure you are not of that kind, here is something for you to think about, but be creative if you can: how come that our beloved Kosovo was so poor and neglected region troughout all these centuries, if it was a) ours and b) so important to us?

Ok, maybe you couldn't contribute to Europe medieval defense, I forgive you for that ;-), but what is your direct contribution to make Kosovo better place, other then crying loud now when it is lost to you? Name one or two meaningful things if you can. It cannot be that be that your sorrow for the lost territory is, kind of...fake?

Why people that are living near Alamo (which is in case you don't know a little fortress in San Antonio, like Kalis in Belgrade, but much, much smaller) are so well off, the area is extremely well developed, even nice for living, I would say. Why citizens there don't seek independence from notorious state of Texas? Lots of Mexicans are living there, not all of them illegally, right? And Alamo was part of Mexico, long time ago, taken from it by force, correct? Could it be that it is actually better to them for living this way, then if it would be if it was a part of the great Republic of Mexico, like, let me check the map... neighboring Piedras Negras or Ciudad Akuna? What could that be? Jobs? Housing? Security? Order and rule of law? 20 minutes to get driver's license without need to belong to a local clan? Care and respect that local government occasionally shows toward them? Or it is just an empty mythology on some battle that they won or lost two and a half centuries ago, served to them over cable tv?
Correct me if I am wrong...

Izanagi 10:25 21.02.2008

Re: Kosovo Battle

Srki and Forrester paradoxically you are both right?! While before the WWII most of Serbia including Kosovo was rural and underdeveloped, it is after the war that "industrialization" and "building of the infrastructure" mostly happened. It is than however, that a lot of Albanians migrated to the north across the border escaping like Cubans on Florida. Was Kosovo in SFRJ to Albania what was Florida in USA to Cuba?
Look at Italy, where developed north wants independence from undeveloped south and not vice versa.
I think its injustice that is painful more than anything else.
And when the author of the article on this blog said. "Former Croatians are being wooed back by their homeland." Does this count for Serbs from Croatia that were forced out?

Izanagi 11:36 22.02.2008

Re: Kosovo Battle

Why citizens there don't seek independence from notorious state of Texas?

"Therefore, We the people of the State of Texas, in convention do declare and ordain...that the compact under which the Republic of Texas was admitted into the Union...be and is hereby repealed and annulled..."

Texas in the American Civil War

Srki 16:28 22.02.2008

Re: Kosovo Battle

Izanagi
Why citizens there don't seek independence from notorious state of Texas?

"Therefore, We the people of the State of Texas, in convention do declare and ordain...that the compact under which the Republic of Texas was admitted into the Union...be and is hereby repealed and annulled..."

Texas in the American Civil War

I apologize Izanagi, but I don't get your point. I am not sure what injustice you are talking about either.

bella 11:16 21.02.2008

Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

As an expat now sadly in Croatia but previously in Serbia, I'd return to Belgrade in a shot. I prefer the honesty of a Serbia with issues to the false promises of the Croatian glossy brochures.....

Brooklyn 12:13 21.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

As an expat now sadly in Croatia but previously in Serbia, I'd return to Belgrade in a shot. I prefer the honesty of a Serbia with issues to the false promises of the Croatian glossy brochures.....

so, what are you waiting for?

Srki 16:01 21.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

bella
As an expat now sadly in Croatia but previously in Serbia, I'd return to Belgrade in a shot. I prefer the honesty of a Serbia with issues to the false promises of the Croatian glossy brochures.....

Hurry up then, you'll miss the "nation happening" (dunno how to say this in English, Rose, help!), it is a little bit like a Halley's comet, maybe not so beautiful but spectacular, happens rarely but usually fucks up things for decades. You'll see honesty in millions, crawling the streets of Belgrade (for Kosovo), although now, when it is kind of over.

I wish I could see half of that many honest people on any of anti-Miloshevic demonstrations 10-15 years ago, maybe we would now all laugh to these brochures, together, in a cafe down the Danube river, while our children are happily growing in Serbia.

Izanagi 17:01 21.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

Srki don't be so cynic. Even if you're an expat you may help. Here is one famous example from the history: Mihajlo Pupin
When I left then SFRJ, a foreigner asked me: "Where is better, here or there?"
My answer was: "It all depends where one feels better"

man ray loves me 01:16 22.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

Hurry up then, you'll miss the "nation happening" (dunno how to say this in English, Rose, help!)

may i suggest turkish instead - fukara.

Srki 05:31 22.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

man ray loves me
Hurry up then, you'll miss the "nation happening" (dunno how to say this in English, Rose, help!)

may i suggest turkish instead - fukara.

That'll do it! Thanks.

Srki 16:29 22.02.2008

Re: Benefits of Croatia vs Serbia

Izanagi
Srki don't be so cynic. Even if you're an expat you may help. Here is one famous example from the history: Mihajlo Pupin
When I left then SFRJ, a foreigner asked me: "Where is better, here or there?"
My answer was: "It all depends where one feels better"

Ok, and the point is?....

KristijanS 19:40 21.02.2008

Kosovo...

Hi Rose...(is 'Rose', alright?)

Your blogs are amusing and I enjoy reading them. I've lived in the States for the last 15 years (came here from Novi Sad with my parents when I was a kid). In any case, I'm glad you're writing and I agree with most of the things you have stated.

I don't think Serbia's politicians are crazy enough to start isolating Serbia from the world, yet again...just because of Kosovo. After all, I don't think most of these countries give a damn that Serbia pulled out its ambassadors. Kosovo is a lost cause - a toxic zone that has been dragging on for decades and this event should not have come as a surprise. Today, it is a breeding ground for drugs, crime and prostitution - and I'm thankful that it no longer is Serbia's problem (well, almost). Kosovo has been the poorest region in the former Yugoslavia. If it truly is the "heart" of Serbia, its politicians should have done more to care for it (for all its people) - a while back (a century ago!). I'm actually relieved because, if Kosovo was to remain a part of Serbia....the issue would have dragged on for perhaps another 10 years or so - and Serbia's politicians would still be chanting "Kosovo, kKosovo" - like a bunch of parrots. I hope that this gets resolved soon because as soon as it gets resolved - the sooner Serbia can start rehabilitating itself and move on - but it's all up to the politicians...and, sadly, I feel they won't let it be. ("just let it be"...) It's a sad lesson for Serbia. Now, the international community has made an extremely unjust move, I agree, - but I'd like to think it's for the better....sort of like a sympathetic pat on the back, "you'll be ok, Serbia..." When I think about it - Vojvodina was in a similar situtaion a century ago ....

I do feel remorse for the Serbs (and other non-ethnic Albanians) who are "stuck" there - and I hope the government does something about it - because they probably do not wish to stay...A person's home, after all, is not destined to a particular soil...but where one's family and loved ones are -and if the family is united, a new, better life can emerge some place else. Serbia really needs to look in the mirror and see what its main problem is - and it's not Kosovo....Kosovo is just an excuse. Change will happen when its citizens TRULY desire it - and waving the Serbian flags, and chanting 'Serbia' with 3 fingers in the air won't solve anything- because it's just an escape....

Izanagi 11:24 22.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

Change will happen when its citizens TRULY desire it

You know KristijanS who Huguenots are?
After 8 civil wars over 30 years, it took 200 years for Huguenots to be accepted as French citizens.
Societies evolve much slower then individuals and frequently that evolution spans generations...

Srki 16:31 22.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

Izanagi
Change will happen when its citizens TRULY desire it

You know KristijanS who Huguenots are?
After 8 civil wars over 30 years, it took 200 years for Huguenots to be accepted as French citizens.
Societies evolve much slower then individuals and frequently that evolution spans generations...

Good, but we all know that, so what is your point? Man, I don't know why I have hard time understanding what you want to say and where you stand. It was much easier with Forester...

Izanagi 17:05 22.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

Man, I don't know why I have hard time understanding what you want to say and where you stand.

I am deeply shocked that you refuse to see the point. You and Kristijan, just like Rosemary, lament on your own individual interests. That will not change anything. Just like Rosemary's story will not change the politics in US, Croatia nor Serbia. Not a single of those three countries has shown tolerance for the reality on Balkans. If they think that the reality is independence of new states within AVNOJ borders, that is illusion. Than like Huguenots waiting for French revolution to happen in order to get recognition, we expats from former SFRJ will wait for "better time to come".
As long as same characters are creating politics on Balkans that were in politics 18 years ago, that region will not be stable and would not progress, I'm afraid.
I hope you got my point now, but let me clarify in few keywords:
tolerance
and
top-down substantial changes

Srki 01:01 23.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

I am really sorry Izanagi, I am not refusing to see anything, I am just probably not as smart as you are, and most definitively I am tired (since I was watching all the shit that is happening back home these days, you know, news, youtube clips, blog posts and comments) so I couldn't figure out what you are trying to say.

But I still don't see how what you are proposing makes any sense? What are you actually proposing?

It's ok, you are great in yours and my eyes, you know Hugenots and all, I mean, I can use wikipedia too. But how historical example of Hugenots, followed or preceded by citation from a document about state of Texas deciding not to join the Union, then calling me not to be cynical about the country (like living there gave me other choice), and finally reading the post about Mihailo Pupin on wikipedia will help me make Serbia better place? O, boy, you sound confused like those "penzos" and veterans from Sloba's counter-meeting, in front of Parliament two days ago...What similarity you see between all these things and between present situation back home?

Could you please be more specific, what exactly you think that I or someone like me, as an ex-pat, that endured pretty much everything served to Serbian people by Milosevic's regime and its leftovers, should do? To make it easier, please come up with a list of action items, and I'll take a look. This is only to avoid me having to guess what you think...cause I tend to be wrong...

Rosemary Bailey Brown 15:55 23.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

Like it or not, the entire human race pretty much revolves around their own individual (and family) interests. That's what motivates pretty much everyone and everything. Once you know that, of course, it's a terribly powerful tool politically and for marketing.

So, I can easily understand why Serb politicians play that Kosovo harp string over and over again - it's in their individual interest. If they focus the voting population's minds and hearts and anger on a "problem" outside of Belgrade, well the politicians in Belgrade are safer, right?

In murder cases you look for who had the most individual motive. In political messes, you do the same.

Izanagi 12:31 25.02.2008

Re: Kosovo...

Rosemary Bailey Brown
Like it or not, the entire human race pretty much revolves around their own individual (and family) interests. That's what motivates pretty much everyone and everything. Once you know that, of course, it's a terribly powerful tool politically and for marketing.

Thank you Rosemary for clarifying what I really wanted to say. We can all help only by educating our own children in recognizing good from bad. The current trouble in Balkans is that many generations grew up in one set of values that almost over night disappeared in early nighties. People have to build up and define real values in their own minds and then hopefully be able to transmit that to their kids.
What set of values that poor soul who died had on his mind when entering the embassy?
Srki, to answer your question on the action plan, do not vote for one person because he/she has an individual interest before the collective one. Vote for program. Unfortunately for us, such democracy does not exist in this world yet. What are democrats doing just now in US, choosing between Obama and Hillary? Will that change US foreign policy? So what are the options for an ordinary US citizen who does not agree with the current foreign policy, or any other policy? And how about an ordinary Serbian person that is suffocating in current news, just like you said, being tired of it. That is my point, crying out will not help, ignoring politicians with their selfish interests will indeed.
But that takes time, and Huguenots had to wait for generations in exile, before french revolutionary decided to recognize them. In the meantime, they produced some excellent wine, so there is some good wine now in California, South Africa, Australia, an elsewhere. Enjoy your life if you can but keep your mind sane.
It's beautiful sunny day outside now, and I'm going out for a brake. "Had enough of cyberworld"

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