When election observers responded by disqualifying 13 HDZ candidates, party leader Ante Jelavic said he would refuse to join in the formation of a new government. But Bosnians need more help than ever. But there's a silver lining. Some of the country's tribal acrimony has subsided. Since January 40,000 displaced Bosnians have returned to towns in which they are in the minority, three times the rate in 1999.
Optimists note that nationalists retain less clout than they did five years ago.
If nothing else, the continued volatility of Bosnia's politics, and the fragility of its social patchwork, will bolster those who believe it is far too early to ponder a withdrawal of foreign troops. I'm afraid they will have to stay for at least a couple more years. In the Balkans, as much as anyplace on earth, good feelings don't last forever. 2001 Time Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.