Hope for survival

15 July 1995

   Yesterday ambassadors from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia were present here
in Minneapolis/St. Paul in conjunction with the opening of a photo exhibit of
war survivors here at the U. of Minn. (Journalist Roy Gutman was also present
to discuss his experiences covering the war.) The ambassadors rather eloquently
presented the case for the U.S. unilaterally ending the arms embargo against
the former Yugoslavia, which of course has had the main effect of crippling the
Bosnian government forces.
   A lot of us hate to be on the same side of *any* issue with Senator Bob
Dole,
who is right now about to introduce legislation to the U.S. Congress which
would
end the embargo. But to these persons, my friends, I am saying: look, it's what
the Bosnians want! The situation is similar to that of apartheid in South
Africa: for
several years, the ANC and prominent anti-apartheid activists urged the U.S. to
commit to a total boycott of trade with S.A. But the government said, "Oh, that
will only increase the suffering." Meanwhile, activists were jailed and
tortured.
Many people died while we did nothing. Now, the Bosnians say, "Give us arms so
we can defend ourselves." And we, the U.S., are sure that we know so much
better
what is needed to really stop the fighting.
   I predict Dole's bill will pass, and President Clinton -- if he is not a
complete fool -- will sign it. Much as I hate the thought of any more arms
sales at all, it appears to be the only chance the people of Bosnia have.
Srebrenica has fallen. Zepa may be falling even as I type this. The UN is doing
nothing, and will act too late if it acts at all.
  If anyone receives this -- have hope. We are thinking of you.