Prof examines Yugoslavia's problems, criticizes U.S.

Stating that Yugoslavia's political problems stemmed from internal as well as external sources, Transportation Professor Vukan Vuchic presented his views on "What is really happening in the former Yugoslavia?" at a speech Tuesday night. Speaking to a crowd of more than 30 people in the Newman Center, Vuchic blamed the former communist government for the political, military and economic problems that have riddled the area. In the presentation -- which was sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Penn -- Vuchic explained that the transition from communism has been difficult, as a void was created when the former communist leadership lost power. Vuchic also blamed the United States for buying into the "black and white" media distortions regarding Yugoslavia. He urged those present at the speech to "consider all sides" of the issue, explaining that President Clinton has adopted an extremely simplistic and overtly pro-Serbia foreign policy. The crisis in the Balkan region began in 1991 when Slovenia and Croatia voted to secede from Yugoslavia, sparking a bitter civil war among the different regions and ethnic groups. In 1992, at the height of the fighting, Serbia and Montenegro joined together to create a new Yugoslavian federation. According to the professor -- who has extensive field experience in the region -- the American media was swayed by political lobbyists hired by the warring factions. Vuchic also accused the United States of being a participant in internal Yugoslavian "ethnic cleansing" on one occasion. The official response from the U.S. State Department, Vuchic explained, mirrored Croatian statements that indicated that the mass migration from Croatia was "voluntary." But he stressed that millions of people would not migrate simultaneously and willingly from the homes that they have lived in for years without the threat of violence. Vuchic also said popular notions of Yugoslav history -- such as the claim that Yugoslavia was forced together artificially by outside nations -- are wrong. Instead, he argued that it was the result of "the enthusiastic signing of the Yugoslav Treaty" of 1918. The end of his presentation focussed on the lessons to be learned from Yugoslav history. Vuchic warned that sanctions -- such as those the U.S. placed on Iraq -- merely increase the power of the current dictator, Slobodan Milosevic, by weakening the other groups competing for power. Finally, Vuchic mused that the greatest problem facing Yugoslavia was the inability of those currently in power to admit guilt for their war crimes. Currently, Vuchic contended, everyone denies everything -- although all groups are still guilty. Visiting Professor Slobodan Zunjick said he agreed with Vuchic's arguments, noting that unity was essential for progress in Yugoslav. The current political "split was detrimental to all," Zunjick said.