The Story of Srebrenica
I am currently reading this book by Isnam Taljic.
What an engrossing reading it is, based on human sufferings during what could only be labeled as the Srebrenica genocide/holocaust.
When the war in Balkans happened I was very much cocooned in the United States.
War stories on Bosnia i Herzegovina hardly made it to the American media unless it has a glimpse write up on the United Nations or some sort of links to the US. My only real exposures to the Balkan war stories and its attrocities were on those few occasions I came home to Malaysia for the holidays. The Malaysian news covered it in depth with the graphic pictures that looked almost impossible for those of us living in a peaceful land to swallow. Malaysians felt for its muslim brothers and sisters suffering all sort of indigestible inhumane treatments by the Serbs that our Govt totally cut diplomatic ties with them as we did Israel.
It is more ironic that Srebrenica happened with the "knowledge and blessings" of the United Nations and the international communities, and Isnam Taljic wrote it well in his story of Srebrenica. It was also a good read up on understanding the muslims of the Balkans, the Bosniaks - where the writer skillfully handles the themes of its tradition founded upon the principles of Islam, and most importantly its history and its tragic historical destiny.
I am glad I stopped by at the bookstore on a Sunday nite on my way home from the Alliance Francaise annual dinner.. trying to find a shortcut readings on the Balkan war, its history and people and finding this gem of a reading (the last copy) for an issue I need to follow up on. It is a humbling reading indeed and made one appreciate the peace we tend to take for granted.
No one should forget Srebrenica and Mr. Taljic did justice in this tribute to its victims. It is a profound statement to remind us never to forget.
For more readings on the genocide of Srebrenica, visit:
http://srebrenica-genocide.blogspot.com
posted by teliung @ 6:06 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
Sallam Aleykum
Check this out brother: http://srebrenica-genocide.blogspot.com
Waalaikum salaam Daniel,
Thank you for pointing out this blog site. Much appreciated.
We must stop such inhumanity from every happening again.
Wassalam.
Assalamualaikum wm wth Bro Daniel,
I visited your Srebrenica Genocide blog but we can't post comments on your blog. You may want to revise this.
So if you are reading this:
Thank you for pointing me out to your website which compile Srebrenica horror stories which ppl need to know.
It certainly helped me to understand better what happened in the Balkans, and there's a lot the international (especially muslim) communities need to do and come in to help its victims, especially those war rape babies. I also hope the Bosnian muslim communities will accept these children as their own since they are innocent victims of the situation. If we isolate them we penalized them twice. Children after all are God's gifts and trust to us.
I was in Mostar and Sarajevo in April this year and I hope the healings have started eventhough the scars will always be there.
Take care and wassalam,
Sis ZaiZ
Sallam Aleykum brother,
thank you for pointing out that my comments are not enabled. Now I changed it, so everyone can post.
I started this blog this month because the Internet is littered with Srebrenica Genocide deniers and revisionits.
Thank you for posting articles about Srebrenica genocide. If you want to learn more about Srebrenica genocide and war in the Balkans, you can find many articles written by Marko Attila Hoare. His articles are really good.
I hope you had fun time in Sarajevo and Mostar. How did you like it?
Take care brother and thank you for publishing articles on Srebrenica.
Daniel
One more thing: I would also like to apologize for not noticing that you are female.
Take care sister.
Salaam Bro Daniel,
I've linked your website to my blog, and your "post comment" works now :)
I was in Mostar and Sarajevo in April this year (in my blog it is covered under April).
Mostar is so quaint and Sarajevo very unique, plus the fact this is the only part of Europe I can hear the adhan to prayers, as well as see the major religious houses (Mosque/madrasah, Synagogues, Churches(Catholic/Orthodox)in one area Barcharsije).
The Balkans is beautiful indeed.
I am assuming you are from BiH? If yes, which canton?
The mountains and rivers as well as the coastal area are just starkly beautiful. It is also the first time I saw the Adriatic ocean which is just gorgeous. I truly wish I can see the mountain regions and the Adriatic coastal area up close/in more depth in the future if there is opportunity to go there again.
I also got to see Spalator (Split), 2/3 of the coastal area toward Duvronik, as well as Zagreb, Llubjana, Lake Bled/Mostna Soci Valley..and the Julian Alps!!
I think the Balkans are a gem yet to be discovered.
It is sad this beautiful region and its history is continuously marred by wars, dictatorship, ethnic rifts and now the still unacknowledged genocide/holocaust.
I will certainly checked out Hoare's writings.
Take care and Wassalaam,
ZaiZ
Sallam Alaykum sister,
I am glad you like Balkans. Sarajevo is truly a beautiful city, Mostar too. I have never been to Malaysia, but I heard it's a beautiful country, especially city of Kuala Lumpur.
Yes, I am originally from Bosnia. Cantons were 'invented' some time during peace negotiations, so I don't consider myself to be from any canton. I was raised in northern part of Bosnia, and after the war I immigrated to Canada.
Have you ever been to Canada? I live in Vancouver, BC. It's a very beautiful city with mild climate. Even during the winter, Vancouver is not cold.
I am not religious, although I consider Islam to make much more sense than any other religion. Also, I like Muslim culture and Muslim values, such as family life etc, as I was raised in a Muslim family and have strong ties to Muslim culture. Although I consider myself to be liberal person, I was never a fan of arrogant individualism, consumerism, and similar western values that don't make much sense.
Thank you for linking my blog to your blog. My current blog template does not allow any "links", so when I change the template, I will link your link too.
Can you tell me more about why you visited Sarajevo/Mostar?
Thanks,
Cheers
Salaam Daniel :)
I must say I do not know much about your country and just learning more about it now. I saw the words "canton" describing the regions when I was reading articles on the Balkan wars and its current constitutions for something I need to follow up on.
Malaysia has a recent history with yours during the Balkan wars in the 90s during the era of our ex-PM Dr. Mahathir. There were also Bosnian students who studied at our universities, especially International Islamic University (IIUM).
The closest I've been to Canada is to the Niagara Falls at the Buffalo/NY border :) I know it is a beautiful country especially the nature part (Niagara and Puget Sound).
I was educated and lived in the US (First four years in St Paul (Twin Cities)in Minnesota a state bordering with Canada - I missed the birch trees sceneries, snow :) and Boundary Water Canoe area :); the rest in Washington DC).
I think Northern America (and Canada) is very similar topographically with the Scandinavian region which I also visited recently.
I was backpacking thruout Europe from March till May this year and was encouraged to visit BiH/Balkans particularly, beautiful Mostar and Sarajevo by your fellow Bosnian. I am glad I did :)
I am a product of both eastern culture and western exposures, although I made a conscious decision to choose Islam as my principles and values in life. Yes, I agree with you especially its family values. I define myself simply as a muslim. I am not into any labels, but I observe actions. I am not into extremism, but choose a moderate path and can be an "activist" for what I believe in.
Only yesterday I figured how to link :) It is quite easy, you just go to template tab under blogger and add the changes/links there.
BTW, I am familiarizing myself with Hoare's works and writings while having lunch now :)
When you are ready to visit Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur (KL), let me know. I live in KL and the twin towers is just behind my backyard :)
Cheers,
/ZaiZ
Sallam,
So tell me sister, have you converted to Islam or were you already a Muslim by birth?
You said that you are not into extremism. In fact, most Muslims are not into extremism. I have always rejected notion that Islam has much to do with extremism, because basic basic fundamental teachings of Islam are about peace, love, fairness, good and equality. Put it in other words: Islam is no more extreme than any other religion. For example, take a look at thousands of priests in the United States who repeatedly raped young boys. Also, Christian Mormons in Utah form majority - most of them practice polygamy and marry girls as young as 10, etc.
I personally don't believe that God ordered women to cover their faces. It was a verse taken out of context and translated "literaly". It could mean many other things. In Bosnia, women don't cover their faces. It's probably the same in Malaysia.
Islam is yet the most peaceful religion on this planet simply because overhelming majority of Muslims are peaceful. It is also the most publicized religion on TV - whenever I turn the channel on TV, there is a talk about Islam. Bad events are emphasized, while good events are minimized.
Anyways, I am glad you chose path of Islam.
Remember one thing: Religion is what one makes out of it. God is, presumably, ethernal love and the highest judge, and people should therefore follow 'His' words, and not missinterpret them. It has to do more with philosophy than anything else. Nothing should be taken literary. Holy books are open for progressive interpretation.
It makes me happy that you are familiarizing yourself with Hoare's works and that you are reading books on Srebrenica. In fact, it makes me happy to have this conversation with you. You seem to be educated and reasonable person with a great mix of respect for different cultures. I am glad to have you as a friend.
Let me say one more thing. Thank you for inviting me to Malaysia. I am absolutely crazy about tall buildings, skyscrappers. In Vancouver BC, we have some awesome skyscrappers and we are building even better (e.g. Shangri-la is under construction). In Bosnia, and Balkans in general, there are no really tall buildings, for example, the highest building in the Balkans is "BOSMAL" in Sarajevo, with about 23 or 24 floors. That's about it.
You know what BOSMAL stands for? It stands for "BOSNIA-MALAYSIA", short for "BOSMAL". BOSMAL is Bosnian-Malaysian company with an interesting history. I'll tell you about it next time. I got to go now, it's very late. It's 1:52am in Vancouver. Good thing I don't work tommorow, thanks God for holidays. :)
Cheers.
PS: I'll be putting one or two nice articles about genocide deniers tommorow. Let the truth be known... Good night.
Salaam Daniel,
Some clarification. I am a muslim by birth and born into a muslim family.
I deliberately use the word "conscious decision to choose Islam as my principles", to emphasized eventhough I "inherited" Islam via my family, I have gone thru "seeking for the truth sojourn/phase" and have read about other faiths and still finding Islam as my only coordinate in life, infact the only path for me.
I don't equate nor define extremism = fundamentalism.
I am a fundamental muslim, meaning I absolutely believe in Islam and its principle which is based on the truth. We know what Islam is about, peace ..unfortunate how it is being distorted these days. But I believe those who genuinely and sincerely seek for the truth will ultimately find Islam at some time and at some point in their lives.
However, I don't believe in extremism, which could go either extreme ends. When God says Islam is about moderation, I find this the best way for me to practise our beautiful yet simple faith.
Islam as practised in Malaysia is most moderate.
I know Canada has some of the most interesting skyscrapers :) Now you should really visit our KLCC still the tallest twin towers in the world with its basic structure found in Islamic principle of the graduate dome - spiritual elevation towards God.
And yes, I do know :) BOSMAL is a Bosnian-Malaysian JV.
Good nite and God bless!
I enjoyed these conversations with you.
Cheers,
ZaiZ
Thank you for your reply. I also enjoyed these conversations with you. I'll keep an eye on your blog, hope you visit my blog too. Thanks.
Good night to you too.
Salaam Daniel,
I tried to find a good website on Hoare but can't seem to find a good one that has exclusively his writings. If you do know, let me know. I am becoming better at linking now :)
Wassalam,
ZaiZ
Sallam,
here are some pages you might wish to visit:
1. http://www-hjs.pet.cam.ac.uk/sections/greater_europe/folder.2005-09-13.9374799896/
2. http://www.bosnia.org.uk (click on 'Search' tab on top, select "All Items", and hit "Submit") - Great source
PS: I just noticed that you found one of the latest Hoare articles, front of the page http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=20297 . In the comments section of that site, you may read my Feedback under "dantol" username. I was very angry at Diana Johnstone for denying Srebrenica genocide.
PS 2: What does "Teliung" mean?
PS 3: One more thing: Do you have MSN? If you wish me to add you to my list, just send me your e-mail to (my temporary) account: belldoe2005@yahoo.com (*I am publishing my temporary email, because I don't want my real email displayed publicly).
And finally,
it's 8:23pm in Vancouver tonight. Less than 4 hours to go and we will enter into New Year!
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Assalaamualaikum wm wth Daniel and a Happy New Year 2006 to you too!:)
Thank you for your New Year wishes and may the new year bring all good things and all your wishes come true as well.
Thank you for the website add for Hoare's. I also read your posting with renegade in one of the website..regarding Johnstone. I shall read the one you posted on Frontpage magazine as soon as I have a chance.
"teliung" actually means Dragonfly in one of the east coast dialect of Malaysia.. Terengganu. The real word should be "tidliung" but my little nephew, Haniff whose father is from Terengganu in his baby talk taught me "teliung" and I just love it :) My family are from Kuala Lumpur, so anything "exotic" is fun for me.
I have MSN.. I shall add you to my list.
Wasaalam,
ZaiZ
Sallam Allaykum,
Hey, I just sent you an e-mail. Regaring Diana Johnstone: she is arrogant genocide denier, plus she's openly pro-Serb. There is no objectivity in her writings, she uses selective, wrong, and outdated data to convince people that genocide never happened, and gneerally she has no feelings for human suffering (well, at least when it comes to Muslims).
Got 2 run now, my lunch break is over. :)
Daniel
Not to throw a grenade into this affair but, there are two sides to this story and... as I've said before...this current attidue of blaming one side is not really helping tensions that much.
I know Daniel well...me and him have flamed a bit.
Teliung, how much do you really know about the war of which you speak?
Respectfully,
John
It's of no surprise that a Muslim supports the Bosnian Muslims, after all we live in hollow societies. Therefore of course you feel easy spitting on Serbs. Let me ask you now this: how do you feel about inhumane treatments toward Serbs? Do you care at all? Are you aware that many foreign Muslim units slaughtered in Bosnia? But who cares, they were useful for the Western countries. By the way your reference to Holocaust isn't too charming either, considering you play down the actual Holocaust. Thank you for listening if you did.
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