Why Bosnia? Writings on the Balkan War [Paperback]

Rabia Ali (Author, Editor), Lawrence Lifschultz (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This rich collection presents the multicultural character of Bosnia to the Western world and serves to remind all readers of the immense tragedy that is occurring in what was formerly Yugoslavia. Why Bosnia? offers a blend of historical essays, political reporting, eyewitness accounts, analysis, and literary interpretations from an international group of writers (which includes David Rieff, Christopher Hitchens, Ivo Banac, Bogdan Denitch, and Slavenka Draculic). A 40-page introduction by the editors provides political and historical background and sets the moral tone of the collection. This major addition to the growing shelf of impassioned books on the Bosnia crisis is an indispensable work for all libraries.
- Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

The title of this thought-provoking anthology reflects the feelings of many in this ravaged area, a cry of "What did we do to deserve this?" Ali and Lifschultz have painstakingly collected some of the finest essays and even poetry dealing with the conflict; contributors range from foreign correspondents to Croatian nationals who must use pseudonyms to avoid persecution. Almost all contributors bemoan the 1992 American presidential election that completely brushed aside the conflict, and there are numerous references to the failed Vance-Owen compromise that took a half-hearted stab at peace in the region. The editors' extensive interview with Yale professor Ivo Banac is probably the book's highlight, explaining the conflict in both historical and political terms. Editors Ali and Lifschultz try hard to be fair, but Milosevic, John Major, and both the Bush and Clinton administrations do not come off well. Joe Collins --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 353 pages
• Publisher: The Pamphleteer's Press; First Paperback Edition edition (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963058797
• ISBN-13: 978-0963058799
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,190,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential background reading on Bosnia, September 1, 1999

By 

Bosnian Institute "bosinst" (Bosnian Institute, London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Bosnia? Writings on the Balkan War (Paperback)

An important collection of essays, interviews and literary texts, providing a richly varied introduction to Bosnia's multi-national and multi-cultural society, while chronicling and analysing its internationally sanctioned destruction. An ideal starting point.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant and essential, April 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Why Bosnia? Writings on the Balkan War: Writings on the Balkan War (Hardcover)

A brilliant and essential collection of high-quality essays ranging from personal accounts to attempts at academic (but never dry) analysis of the components of the evil that preyed on Yugoslavia and destroyed Bosnia. A bitter criticism of the West's failure to play an equitable role informs all the essays. A remarkable achievement for the editors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great on Bosnia 1990 - 1993, July 29, 2002

By 

dalibor19 "dalibor19" (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Bosnia? Writings on the Balkan War (Paperback)

As a mixed-ethnicity Bosnian who lived through this war, I must say the editors of this book were extremely well informed.
They present a set of writing from both local and foreign contributors painting a vivid picture of the true events in Bosnia and the surrounding area, as well as international reactions and the complete peace process.
The book was completed in December 1993, and came out on the market in March 1994, so it does not include the events from 1994 and later, which are also critical to understanding the war and its outcome, but I still strongly recommend it, because it is one of the best books on Bosnia of 1990-1993.