I realize this is all fresh, and without commenting on any of the politics associated with the current conflict in Iran, is it safe for Americans to travel in Bosnia in view of the conflict? I had read that Bosnians had generally good feelings toward Iran in view of Iran’s support of Bosnia during its war, but that Bosnia has drifted toward the west in recent years. Are there likely to be significant protests or potential anger directed at American tourists this summer?
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
25559 posts
Drifted towards the West? You realize its difficult to get any further west in Europe. Serbia may be what it is, but it is still Western and it is still Europe. So is the rest of the region.
Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) is such a complex place, it’s not one that amateurs like you and I will ever get right. You said that Iran supported Bosnia. Which Bosnia, there were three of them involved in the war. Iran probably supported the Bosniaks (muslims and about 50% of the population) who claimed to be the one true BiH representative. But then the Bosnians of Serbian ancestry, about 30% of the population, claimed the same. Then the Croats, with about 20% of the population had a stake in things.
Back to Iran, you do know that the war ended pretty much because the US stopped the genocide of the Bosniaks by the Serbs. Not sure Iran did much besides cheer. Today there are three semi-autonomous regions in BiH. The leadership of the country rotates from one to the next. All laws require the approval of the Office of the High Representative which is an EU appointment. Yes, its that unstable.
The most disruptive outside influence seems to be joint russian and Serbian interference through their relationship with one of the three semi-autonomous regions, the Republika Srpska.
So, no, with what little I know and pretend to understand I am not worried about Iran. If the Bosniaks are close to Iranian people, they will be happy with the US, if they are close to the Iranian government they will ignore it and hopefully remember they have a country today in part because of the U.S.
But if russia is successful in Ukraine, it’s not inconceivable that they step up their meddling in BiH and Montenegro.
Would I go to BiH right now? Heck yes. Love it there. I am off to Montenegro in June; BiH, maybe September. Do it before it comes unglued again.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
5184 posts
Thanks Mr. E for significantly increasing my knowledge about Bosnia.
Posted by
Washington DC
30265 posts
I have a ticket on an April 30 flight to Sarajevo. I'm not remotely worried about what's going on between the US/Israel and Iran--as far as my trip is concerned, I mean.