Ambassador Alkalaj Critiques Washington Times on Bosnia Coverage

Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States, Sven Alkalaj, has responded critically to articles published in The Washington Times, asserting that they portray Bosnia and Herzegovina as an extremist and unstable state. In a commentary released on February 23, 2024, Alkalaj highlighted two specific pieces: an interview with the leader of the SNSD party, Milorad Dodik, titled “Republika Srpska Deserves Independence,” and a commentary by Max Primorac questioning the stability of Bosnia.

Alkalaj condemned these articles for perpetuating harmful narratives. He noted a recent trend of synchronized xenophobic attacks on Bosnian society, which has faced mass killings, persecution, and genocide in the past. He emphasized that the rhetoric used by Dodik and Primorac echoes that of former Serbian president Slobodan Milošević, whom he referred to as the “Butcher of the Balkans.”

Historically, the conflicts of the 1990s resulted in over two million refugees and more than 100,000 deaths, culminating in the genocide in Srebrenica. Alkalaj insisted that public statements must be scrutinized with historical accuracy and moral clarity, stressing the importance of understanding who Dodik and Primorac truly are. He described Dodik as a genocide denier who has honored convicted war criminals responsible for the Srebrenica genocide, while also identifying him as a self-identified Chetnik, linking him to the controversial legacy of the Chetnik movement during World War II.

In his commentary, Alkalaj referenced findings from Yad Vashem, which document the Chetniks’ collaboration with Nazis and their violent actions against Jewish communities. He urged readers to verify these historical facts, asserting their significance in understanding current political dynamics.

Alkalaj also pointed out a European Court of Human Rights ruling that prevents Jews and other minorities from running for the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted that Bosniak political representatives supported constitutional changes to challenge this ruling, while Dodik and his associates opposed such efforts.

Addressing claims made by Dodik and Primorac regarding the alleged conversion of churches into mosques, Alkalaj highlighted that during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Army of Republika Srpska destroyed 534 mosques, while the Croatian Defense Council demolished an additional 80. In contrast, he stated that Bosniaks protected churches and synagogues, ensuring none were destroyed in areas under the control of legitimate Bosnian forces.

Alkalaj specifically criticized Primorac, alleging that he promotes the concept of a “third entity” and that his views reflect ideologies associated with the Ustaše movement. He mentioned that Primorac’s father had connections to émigré groups that espoused Ustaše ideology. However, Alkalaj acknowledged that “a parent’s sins do not necessarily define a child’s views,” emphasizing the need for serious analysis of contemporary rhetoric that stigmatizes entire communities.

The ambassador firmly rejected claims that authorities in Sarajevo intended to sell the Sarajevo Haggadah, stating, “This is a shameful lie. Bosnia preserved the Haggadah through war, occupation, and genocide, protecting a symbol of interreligious heritage.”

In concluding his commentary, Alkalaj warned that distorting history and inciting ethnic tensions pose a significant societal risk. He stated, “In a world still grappling with the legacies of the Holocaust and the Yugoslav wars, providing a platform for voices aligned with genocidal ideologies represents a moral failure.”

Alkalaj emphasized the need for thorough verification of the historical connections, ideological positions, and public statements of political actors before their publication or citation. He remarked that history teaches us how dangerous indifference can be in the face of extremist narratives. Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation that has survived aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, deserves its story to be told accurately and with moral responsibility.