While commentators argue about weaknesses and contradictions in the Dayton peace agreement and 60,000 NATO troops prepare to enforce its provisions, tired residents from Zagreb to Belgrade are trying to pick up what's left of their lives and muster some hope that war just may be over. At the same time, they are aware that the end of war does not mean the same thing as peace.
People are skeptical.
They think, 'If it works out, great. Though sanctions have now been lifted by the international community, the cost of living isn't cheap. And though meat and frozen vegetables can be bought in Belgrade's markets, unemployed refugees seldom have cash. At least 30 percent of Belgrade's refugees are now living in public shelters. Bishop Endre Langh of the Reformed Church of Croatia talked about property disputes that have erupted in the wake of politicians' promises that displaced Croats may go home in weeks or months, especially along the 30 percent of Croatia that has been the war's front line.