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This landmark conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Accords, organized by the remarkable @majda_ruge, is now live. Watch at the links provided below. https://twitter.com/ecfr/status/1338461306110812163
Powerful commentary from keynote speaker Baroness @arminkahelic who argues that Dayton has itself now become a source of insecurity, and robbed future generations of credible socio-economic prospects. Calls for finally settling BiH's structural arrangements.
Now Baroness @arminkahelic specifically cites the irredentist pretensions of "neighboring states", urges rejection by BiH citizens and international community of involvement of Belgrade and Zagreb in domestic affairs of BiH.
Hell of a go-home line just now from Baroness @arminkahelic directed towards Bosnian youth: "do not let anyone weaponize your differences".
In the Q&A, Baroness @arminkahelic discusses the future of Bosnia, beyond Dayton: "BiH is not a special country...it is a member of European family of nations," expresses hope for EU membership, and improvement of ties w/ SRB & CRO.
She adds that she imagines a BiH that is a member of NATO and "exports stability" to Europe and its neighborhood. The point re: BiH as "not special" is really key. Too many have made too many allowances for bad faith actors in/around BiH.
Interesting commentary by @ischinger on German perception of the Yugoslav dissolution in the context of GER reunification. Credits the U.S. for (belatedly) marshaling an international response in BiH, in an era of European fragmentation.
James O'Brien of @ASG argues international community failed in its initial response to the Bosnian War bc it "chose to look away". Argues that thus catastrophic experience must inform future engagement in the country; critiques "partial solutions".
MP @SabinaCudic says international response "failed miserably" in BiH from perspective of a child who lived thru the conflict. Calls future IC engagement to be bigger, braver, that does not "fit neatly on 3 month reports".
Responding @ischinger appears to be hinting that given the lack of a credible EU foreign policy mechanisms, EU would struggle to respond to new Balkan security crisis. I concur, why U.S. presence absolutely critical, especially for BiH and Kosovo.
Surreal commentary by Carld Bildt, veritable historical revisionism almost from start to finish. The less said, the better.
The moderator just jokingly suggested Bildt should be given honorary Bosnian citizenship -- apparently completely ignorant of how Bildt is actually perceived in Bosnia. Extremely awkward exchange.
