The Protectorate's Contribution to Bosnia's Reintegration
When Croatian pop star Marko Perković Thompson ran onto the concert stage in Široki Brijeg, shouting the Ustaše greeting 'Za dom spremni,' the audience greeted him with whistles and then demonstratively left the hall. If you had read such a 'report' from western Herzegovina in 'Jutarnji Zagreb' or as reported in 'Večernji Belgrade,' you would think it was crude disinformation or political satire. And since, of course, it was quite the opposite, starting with the fact that the packed hall in an Ustaše trance greeted Thompson with 'Za dom spremni' in unison, why are we scandalized?
The Protectorate’s Contribution to Bosnia’s Reintegration The article criticizes the resurgence of nationalist sentiments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, exemplified by a Marko Perković Thompson concert in Široki Brijeg where the Ustaše salute was reportedly well-received. It connects this event to broader political trends, including historical revisionism and the commemoration of figures like Archduke Franz Ferdinand, arguing these actions undermine efforts for a unified, multi-ethnic Bosnia.
- A Marko Perković Thompson concert in Široki Brijeg featured the Ustaše salute, reportedly met with enthusiasm by the audience.
- The article criticizes the international community’s stance on maintaining the Dayton Agreement, suggesting it hinders genuine reconciliation.
- Recent events in February, including Thompson’s concert, the decision to restore a monument to Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, and the declaration of a day of mourning in Republika Srpska, are highlighted as points of contention.
- The historical context of Široki Brijeg as a center of Ustaše activity is discussed, along with post-war demographic and political shifts.
- The article contrasts the ideals of Yugoslavism and socialism with the nationalist aspirations of Croatian and Slovenian leaders like Franjo Tuđman.
- It posits that the Croatian-Bosniak conflict demonstrates the civil war nature of the Bosnian conflict, rather than a defense against Serbian aggression.
- The decision to restore a monument to Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo is linked to historical events and political initiatives by nationalist parties.
- The article concludes by questioning the possibility of a unified Bosnia given the recurring nationalist provocations.
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