Introduction
The attacks on 11 September against the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon have caused a wave of shock throughout South East Europe. They have also provoked a wide range of reactions that could have lasting consequences for the region.
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia find themselves on an American list of "favourite destinations for terrorists". Muslim communities in countries like Croatia and Slovenia are suddenly looked at with renewed suspicion, with irresponsible hate campaigns unleashed in parts of the media. After a period of "normalisation" of relations, distrust and fear have returned. Tensions flare up again between neighbouring countries. Leading Macedonian politicians accuse not only the Albanian population at home, in particular the NLA, but also Albania, of being linked to Osama bin Laden's network. The government in Sarajevo is forced to admit that combatants from Islamic countries were given Bosnian passports, while some people in Croatia ask how the long border with Bosnia & Herzegovina can be defended against such a threat.
Keen to demonstrate their support for the United States, or in some cases perhaps fearful of appearing to be on the other side, all countries in the region have pledged backing for the anti-terrorist alliance. Public opinion wonders, however, whether this will make them possible targets for future attacks.
Some commentators look back at the last decade and show how visions change. Yesterday's "freedom fighters" against Serb aggression in Bosnia & Herzegovina, covertly supported and armed by the West, become dangerous Mujaheddins...
Journalists from all of AIM's different editorial boards have written articles which together give an overall picture of reactions in the region. You will find the stance of the respective government, the attitude of public opinion, divided or not, and an analysis of the possible local consequences of the present crisis.
As further relevant articles are written they will automatically be added to this special on-going dossier.