Slobo's Legacy

Even in death Slobodan Milosevic will continue to roil the former Yugoslavia and the world. For now the debate is on the circumstances of his death and the appropriate obsequies. Those who know Milosievic as the “Butcher of the Balkans” do not want to see him buried with any state honors. Serbian Nationalists want full honors. The family claims that refusing him permission to obtain medical treatment in Moscow killed him.

Milosievic’s wife, son and brother live in exile in Russia. The wife and son are wanted to answer charges in Serbia. They won’t be returning for a funeral anytime soon. Their home in exile is not surprising. Russia has been Serbia’s big power patron. Russia went to war for its Slavic brethren in World War I; harboring a few Serbs is no big deal. Although the world is demanding that Serbia surrender Mlatko Radijc, I’ve heard little of the same for the Milosevics in Russia.

Although Milosievic’s death precludes an individual verdict, his trial and others’ have documented much of the butchery in the wars that he launched on behalf of Serbian nationalism. The death and destruction of a modern nation shocked the world. There are still plenty of Serbian nationalist leaders who should answer for their actions during those wars. Milosevic’s passing does not end the proceedings.

Even without a final verdict from the court, Milosievic will forever be ranked as a man who brought death and destruction to his country. He was no Hitler or Stalin, Milosevic’s toll pales in comparison but it was substantial, something to be reckoned with. Bosnia, which suffered so much at the hands of Milosevic and his generals, is now suing Serbia in international court. The story is by no means over.