Bosnia Plans to Expel Arabs Who Fought in Its War

[Behind the Aegis]

Source: NY Times

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina — When Fadhil Hamdani first came to Bosnia from Iraq in 1979 he had no idea he would stay so long. But after prolonged studies, marriage to a Bosnian woman, the birth of five children and citizenship, the years turned into decades.

But the Bosnian government does not agree. It views him as a threat to national security and is putting Mr. Hamdani and other foreign fighters who have lived in Bosnia for many years on notice of deportation.

Arabs, the largest group among hundreds of foreign fighters, fought alongside the Bosnian Muslim Army during the war here, from 1992 to 1995, against Serbs and Croats. In return, they were given Bosnian citizenship.

Most left after the war, which tore apart Muslim, Serbian and Croatian communities and cost around 100,000 lives. But a number stayed on and settled down.





Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/02/world/europe/02bosnia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

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[The Magistrate]

1. That Is A Shame, Sir

Men who fight deserve their pay.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. I agree.

I think the whole thing is bizarre. If anything, it could create more strife and re-open old wounds.