The Foreign Service Journal, November 2005

within a web of economic, political, security, cultural and other links with the international community. Looking Ahead to the Next Decade After 10 years, we are nearing the end of the Dayton era. What the international community has given Bosnia is something unimaginable during the bloody conflict and the chaotic aftermath: a second chance. In the context of potential member- ship in NATO, the E.U. and other international bodies, Bosnia’s frac- tious ethnic groups have an opportu- nity to create a functioning state and a lasting peace. It is also a second chance for an international community that proved so ineffectual initially in handling the breakup of Yugoslavia. We cannot put the pieces back together, but what we can do is to create a context within which the successor states can live as normal states in a normal region. Toward that end, we need a new com- pact with Bosnia that hastens the end of Bosnia’s political tutelage, and renews the promise of an open door to the E.U., NATO and other interna- tional institutions — provided it final- ly meets its international obligations by bringing to justice the major war criminals still at large. Since the Dayton era began, debate over Bosnia issues has often involved only the various internation- al players involved in peace imple- mentation. This debate should be long over, and the architects need to let the rightful occupants take full ownership of their common home. Without active local participation and buy-in, the international community ultimately will achieve little that will last. Dealing with a normal, sovereign polity requires normal tools of engage- ment. To echo Ambassador Warren Zimmermann’s description of prewar Yugoslavia, what the international community has created in Bosnia after a decade of high-intensity intervention is a state, but not yet a nation. In the final analysis, nationhood cannot be conferred by outsiders, but must be reclaimed by the people of Bosnia- Herzegovina themselves. n N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 55 Eight years later, the international community fixed the lack of central command and control over Bosnia’s rival entity militaries. Home Suite Home The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 www.georgetownsuites.com sales@georgetownsuites.com t ti ’r i t i f r t t , r lf t t r t it . it r i t t l r t l r , f rt l it , ’ll f l ri t t . l ’r r t t t rt t. ll t ! 1-800-348-7203 . r t it . sales@georgetownsuites.com