Almost daily I can hear on radio appeals of Serb intellectuals who are asking for an end of a military campaign of the Western Alliance in their country and claim that its continuation, in addition to all material and other damage, "will destroy every opposition and democratic development" in Serbia. A group of 27 distinguished intellectuals, many of whom are strong opponents of the Milosevic's regime, was among the first to condemn this bombardment and assert that today's "Serbia in ashes" will be in its development "pushed 50 years behind".
I also frequently receive via e-mail messages and appeals of dissidents and independent intellectuals and journalists from Belgrade, many of whom used to publicly and clearly express opposition to the ruling regime [in Belgrade] and offer, within their capabilities, solidarity and support to their Bosnian colleagues. They also claim that NATO, if it continues its action, will "completely destroy democratic alternative in Serbia", and express their firm belief that "many years will be needed for its recovery". Appeals are strong, assertions grave. Following the press abroad I can see that these appeals have had some result and that many sources abroad also express fear that weak Serbian political opposition will be swept away during the NATO attacks.
I understand their situation; I can relate to the fear they talk about; I understand their concern. Of course, I do not expect that today they applaud while bombs are falling on their heads. Yesterday, they were attacked by the regime, today by NATO. Until yesterday they believed that the West was their ally; now it seems to them that they were betrayed by the West. I can not deny them the right to appeal for the end of bombardment in FR Yugoslavia, since in 1991 and 1992 and during all following years, they spoke out against violations of human rights, and in defense of the freedoms of other attacked nations and publicly condemned the Serb aggression. They preserved their honor when that was hard. Hence, why deny them that right when today their house is burning. Therefore, I both understand and in principle support the appeal to stop the bombardment.
However, I have two objections. I cannot forgive them that in their appeals I can see hardly any condemnations of the crimes committed in the past and currently by the Yugoslav Army and numerous paramilitary units in Kosovo. In their appeals I haven't seen even the simplest solidarity with the suffering and tragedy which has befallen Albanians who are exposed to a true genocide. Has their own misfortune closed their eyes to the tragedy of the persecuted and neighboring people? The tragedy of Biblical proportions? I am grateful for their support for Bosniaks, Croats, and those Serbs who resisted evil and aggression; I believe that they did that partly for their own sake. But, are Albanians different?
I cannot forgive them for failing to direct their condemnation and protest, at least partly, against those who have also caused their tragedy. Of course, that is not simple and can have dire consequences. Journalist Slavko Curuvija paid with his life for his courage. But, is it less risky to live under the "protection" of the regime for whom terror is the basic characteristic? They must have experienced that in the last ten years. Maybe western bombs will not totally stop Milosevic's killing machine. I believe that the pressure of the domestic public would have been much more effective, if it existed. To prevent a genocide and, of course, the bombardment. I disagree with their basic message that the present bombardment will destroy the democratic opposition in Serbia. I disagree, because I believe that there has been no opposition in Serbia since Milosevic has taken control of all levers of power. What some call opposition and we could have seen in the last few years does not deserve democratic credentials. Are Seselj, Draskovic, Djindjic and those like them democrats? NATO hasn't destroyed the opposition. It was destroyed by its leaders, vying for power with Milosevic, flying the same flag of the Serb nationalism.
These signatories of various appeals are nevertheless right when they claim that years will be needed to build a democratic alternative in Serbia. However, there is no doubt that as much time would have been needed had Milosevic been allowed to rule "in peace". Unfortunately, today in Serbia, no one, not even NATO should not and is not looking for a democratic alternative. Simply there is no time for that and it is unlikely that anything of the sort can be found. The only alternative to Milosevic needed today is someone, even Draskovic with all misgivings of the West, who as British Foreign Minister Robin Cook says would have the power "to realize what we agree". Furthermore, even Milosevic, today hated by the West, can take that role, if he implements all that he signs.
Translated on 8/30/99