VIEWPOINT FROM LONDON

IRAQ: CROATIA OWES THE UNITED STATES A FAVOUR

by Brian Gallagher

The Croatian Herald, Australia No. 961 - 4 April 2003

 

There is a rift between the United States and Croatia as a result of Croatia's less than enthusiastic approach to the war in Iraq. Many countries do oppose the war. However Croatia's circumstances are different and the current strategy may not have served Croatia well - especially in believing that its stance will help it join the EU.

During the 1991-5 war Croatia fought for its existence against Serbia. In this time the United Nations did nothing for Croatia; effectively helping the Serbs. The United States gave significant assistance to Croatia, giving intelligence and training to the Croatian military in order to liberate its territory.

To see Croatian politicians criticising the United States and stating that the UN should have primacy in international relations appears surreal; had such a policy been followed in the 1990's Croatia may well have been destroyed, along with Bosnia-Herzegovina. President Mesic needlessly went out of his way to attack the US - even getting quoted on the BBC's popular debate programme 'Question Time'. Croatia may now come over to many - including those who are antiwar - as hypocritical and two faced.

The US has effectively threatened Croatia for its stance. This was somewhat unreasonable; Croatia is entitled to its views. Further, since 1995 the US has not done much for Croatia, providing next to no help. So the US has little leverage over Croatia.

However, Croatia owes the US a favour. The US helped Croatia secure its existence; this is not to say that Croatia should be subservient, and certainly not to suggest Croat troops head out to Iraq. Many in Croatia believe the war in Iraq is wrong. But there is also a moral question about returning the US's help in some way. A more understanding form of words from President Mesic and the government may have been enough. As it stands, many friends of Croatia in the US could be alienated.

There is some suggestion that Croatia's stance - pleasing France - is due its wishing to enter the European Union. But the EU is not simply France and Germany; Britain is also an EU member. Already Britain is - quite unreasonably - making life difficult for Croatia in the EU over the Bobetko affair. The British stance will now no doubt harden.

Furthermore, it is naive to think France will suddenly become a Croatian friend. Its interests are firmly with Serbia. Regardless of the French/German axis, France fears a powerful Germany and would seek to limit its influence; Croatia is seen as a German ally. Germany is currently antiwar; but given it's economic ties with Croatia, it would be unlikely to take any negative action against Croatia if it took a different stance. Also, the German opposition party, the CDU, has a more pro-American approach and is very likely to return to power, given Germany's economic problems.

Whatever the criticism of the Anglo-American coalition, countries such as France and Russia have only cynical interests. France built Iraq a nuclear reactor - with all that oil why would Iraq need one? In Soviet times, Russia armed and equipped the Iraqi army - and would no doubt like to do so again. At least by being more understanding towards the United States, if only in words, Croatia would have claim to unselfish grounds for such a stance - that of helping a friend who once helped save Croatia.

 

© Brian Gallagher

My 'Viewpoint from London' column appears fortnightly in the Australian 'Croatian Herald'.