I came across this great in-depth Al-Jazeera report on the Srebenica Massacre. It will give you some insight into who and what Radovan Karadzić is.
Here is part 1 (be careful - it is GRAPHIC)
Part 2
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What Happened
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I can't make myself watch it; it rings too close to home. When Srebrenica was happening, my Grandma and I were visiting her sister and her sister's family in Sweden. They were Bosnian refugees (they still live there). Of course, I was spending my time with a bunch of Bosnian kids and experienced Srebrenica with them. It was the most surreal experience. The most heartbreaking one. We marched the streets of Malmo in protest, but other than that we all felt broken and helpless and disappointed. To this day my heart breaks every time I hear about Srebrenica and its victims.
Actually, now that I've written this long comment, I think I should watch those videos. And then post them myself. These kinds of stories should never be forgotten.
"Never forget...", I seem to read that about all these war-time atrocities. But how much power does the phrase have? While KR and his monsters systemically murdered 8000 men did they stop to think of the holocaust or Rwanda? Nope.... Then when it's time to bring these butchers to justice, again forgetfulness...think of the diplomatic song-and-dance to get them extradited and held accountable... Just makes me steamed.
@tina - It is incredible and I hope you do watch it. I think we need to do more than just "Not forget", I think we need to engage ourselves in a daily practice that is focused on struggling for freedom and justice for all. I haven't figured out how to get there, but I am definitely thinking and talking and hoping that my "small part" will turn into something more significant.
@blackgirl - Girl, you know I agree. I actually never hear any of the aggressors uttering that phrase, only the survivors and the survivors relatives. And really "Never forget", I almost never see those who came up with that concept after the Jewish Holocaust ever agitating to stop the other genocides that are happening today. And finally, what about all those UN guys who let genocide happen by simply standing idly by and watching the people be watched to their destruction? Is anyone calling for them at The Hague? Turning a blind eye is a heinous crime but far too many of us are guilty of it. There is no penalty for it but the occasional guilty conscious. What about teaching people, from a young age, to be brave and stand up for what is right? We read about and celebrate those who did, but it sometimes seems like we view their stories as fairytales. Damn shame.
Camille, I did end up watching it. And crying my eyes out. And, of course, I agree that not forgetting is not enough. I believe a lot of "small" parts can turn into something big. I'm doing my part by doing my best on a daily basis, especially when I stand in a classroom. I'm trying not to be quiet and not turning away when I see injustice(s) occur. I'm not perfect, but I'm trying. And I think if more people tried, if more people were "thinking and talking," this world could be a helluva better place to live in.
Thanks for posting this.
The shots of the UN soldiers looking the other way in Part I, and in Part II, the sign over the mass grave in three languages stating that genocide occurred the area under the UN's watch- are pretty damning.
What's interesting is that there didn't appear to be enough UN forces to stop anything. I don't think they were supposed to stop anything.
Radovan Karadzic's arrest has been covered as a human rights victory. I've read that NATO forces knew his location for a while, but waited until now to arrest him. I don't know the whole story of genocide in the area - but I don't believe it occurred as simply with such clearly delineated good and evil sides as it's being, and since the war, has been made out.
Thanks for posting this. I'm reading up on this more now.
CH: the UN forces weren't allowed to do anything. Which in turn, along with many other events, tells you that the UN itself is an utterly useless institution.
If you're interested in learning more about these things I suggest -
Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 by Joe Sacco
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