Populations In Bosnia Research Articles

Correlation of pedunculate oak leaf traits in situ and ex situ in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Pedunculate oak is an economically and ecologically very valuable species at the European level and for Bosnia and Hercegovina, and research into variation of this species is very important. In 2007, pedunculate oak leaf material was collected in 27 populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina along with seeds, which were used to establish a provenance trial. In the trial, leaves were collected in 2021, and 14 morphological traits were measured in both types of material. Analysis of variance showed generally non-significant differences between generations, but significant variation among populations and population-by-generation interactions. However, the correlations between generations were non-significant for most traits, and neither were the correlations with climatic parameters. The results indicate both genetic and environmental effects on leaf morphology. The utility of leaf morphology for gene conservation is shortly discussed.

Phytochemical Analysis of Eight Genista L. taxa (Fabaceae) from Natural Populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Phytochemical analysis of aerial parts of eight autochthonous Genista L. taxa (brooms; Fabaceae; G. germanica, G. januensis, G. pilosa, G. radiata, G. sagittalis, G. sericea, G. sylvestris ssp. dalmatica and G. tinctoria) from natural populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina was performed in this study. Using fast phytochemical methods, for the first time, emodin was identified in the genus; coumarins, fatty acids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenoids in some taxa, but also the presence of phenolic compounds or the absence of anthocyanins in all studied taxa. The analysis of total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), phenolic acids (TPA) and alkaloid (TA) contents and antioxidant activity (DPPH), determined by spectrophotometry method, indicated the existence of differences between the studied taxa (p<0.01). The taxa differed significantly from each other in TPA and TA, and the least in terms of antioxidant activity. There is a positive correlation between TPA, TPC and TFC in one hand, and TA and antioxidative activity in other (p<0.01). The Euclidean dendrogram indicates two main clusters: the first cluster includes G. januensis and G. pilosa, and the second is derived from the remaining six taxa. Obtained PCA clusters were more diffused than those generated by Euclidean distance dendrogram but in a good agreement with them. The obtained data indicate the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological research of the genus Genista, as a very interesting source of natural active compounds, as well as population research with special emphasis on the influence of microclimate on SMs content.

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina – state and perspectives

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeast Europe, and more than half its area of 51.129 km² belongs to forests and forest lands. Our forests have a plenty of species, especially endemic, a great diversity of plant communities, and 93% of natural forests. We have eight oak species growing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most important are Quercus robur (despite being almost extinct due to over-exploitation during the late XIX and early XX century), and Quercus petraea. Quercus pubescens and Quercus cerris are also ecollogicaly crucial.
 Today in Bosnia and Herzegovina, pedunculate oak is found in mixed stands with common hornbeam and in pure stands under exceptional conditions, with the total area of about 30.000 ha. 
 The area of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the central part of the natural southern distribution of pedunculate oak. Because of that, it has a specific genetic structure and builds a connection of the south and east Balkan Peninsula provenances with the provenances of Central Europe and has a crucial role in gene movement from north to south and vice versa, and west to east and vice versa.
 According to the Ecological-vegetation regionalization of Bosnia and Herzegovina, forests of pedunculate oak and common hornbeam are potential vegetation on about 5% of the country's territory. It means that there are possibilities for the reintroduction of these valuable species, and it is necessary to work on its reintroduction to suitable habitats. Research indicates that it is a species with a potential for adaptation on climate change. Our research results showed that the remaining pedunculate oak populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a good genetic structure and can be used as a seed stands for collecting seed material and producing seedlings for afforestation with this species.

Clustering of Field Maple Populations from Different Ecological Conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Based on Discriminant Analysis of Morphological Traits

Acer campestre L. is naturally distributed in most of Europe. The species can serve as a valuable model for researching the sensitivity of populations to habitat fragmentation. This research aims to determine whether there is a differentiation of field maple populations based on their division by ecological-vegetation regions, precipitation amounts, temperatures, and altitudes of the populations. The material was collected from 25 populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from different ecological-vegetation areas, with twelve trees per population and five fruits and ten leaves per tree. Then, 10 fruit properties and 19 leaf properties were analyzed. A discriminant analysis was performed for population groups based on the ecological-vegetation area, amount of precipitation, average annual air temperature and altitude. The discriminant analysis results showed the distinguishing of groups of populations in the sub-Mediterranean area, and groups of populations with an average annual temperature of 14.00 to 15.99 °C. There was no clear separation of the groups according to the average annual precipitation or altitude. The analysis of the connection established that the influence of environmental factors is more pronounced compared to geographical factors. The key ecological variable that determines morphological separation was temperature and to a lesser extent precipitation. The results of this research will be used in planning of afforestation of suitable, unvegetated land and extreme habitats in the southern and southwestern parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Acer campestre.

Molecular diversity of 23 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci in the population of Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: Tuzla Canton is the most populated region in the ethnically mixed territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose genetic analysis could provide an insight into past demographic events.Aim: Analysis of 23 Y-chromosome STR markers in the population of Tuzla Canton and investigation of the genetic relationship of the male population of the Tuzla Canton and that of the larger Bosnian and Herzegovinian population as well as neighbouring and other European populations.Subjects and methods: The study was conducted among 100 unrelated healthy adult males from Tuzla Canton that have been genotyped using 23 Y-STR loci included in the PowerPlex Y23 kit. Statistical parameters such as haplotype diversity and allele frequencies were calculated, as well as the Rst-based genetic distances between the new dataset and those from Bosnia and Herzegovina and elsewhere, which were then visualised through multi-dimensional scaling plot and neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree analyses.Results: The PowerPlex Y23 kit has shown high discrimination capacity, as all 100 individuals have unique haplotypes. The newly incorporated loci seem to be highly informative. Population comparison reveals no statistically significant differences between the study population and the general Bosnian-Herzegovinian population, and between the study population and neighbouring populations.Conclusion: These results could be used as an additional investigation of the genetic relationship between the regional populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring human populations, as well as for further human population and forensic genetics studies.

Allozyme variation among european beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From the economical and ecological point of view, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To understand the significance of beech forests, something about the structure of forests and forest lands needs to be said. Bosnia and Herzegovina has 3.231.500 hectares of forests and forest land, which is about 60% of its surface. In the forest and forest lands structure, we can see that it has high forest occupying 51.1% of the forest area, coppice occupying 38.70%, shrubs occupying 4%, bare land and clearings occupying 5.80% and other unproductive areas occupying 0.40%. Beech can be found in mixed stands of beech and fir, as well as stands of beech, fir and spruce that occupy 46% of all high forests. Thus, the total area of ​​forests where the beech is found is approximately 1.652.400 hectares. The aim of the study was to carry out the analysis of genetic structures of natural beech populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina by using isoenzyme markers. Conducting a biochemical genetic structure analysis of 14 beech populations, using 10 enzyme systems with 16 isoenzyme gene loci, we found significant differences. Variability in some gene loci is large, while some populations for some gene loci showed monomorphism. The results indicate that in order to maintain natural genetic resources of common beech in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there should be a dense network of gene reserves established. This network from one of the Balkan countries should then become a constituent part of all-European network. These gene banks need in situ and ex situ methods (seed banks, seed stands, and seed orchards) to maintain the genetic diversity of populations. Based on the research results, every ecological niche of common beech i.e. their genetic variation should be conserved regarding the appropriate number of populations and individuals to preserve the ecological and physiological features of this valuable commercial species.

The mirage of Balkan Piedmont: state formation and Serbian nationalisms in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries

AbstractThe continuous rise of the Serbian state in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is often described as a typical example of the Piedmont‐style of national unification. The conventional historiography emphasises the role popular nationalism has played in this process, making little if any distinctions between the forms of Serbian nationalisms within and outside of the Serbian state. This article challenges such interpretations and argues that the formation and expansion of Serbia had less to do with society‐wide national aspirations and much more with the internal elite politics within the Serbian state. Moreover, the paper makes a case that, rather than being a driving force of national unification, the expansionist nationalism was a by‐product of the state development. This argument is articulated further through the comparison of the different nationalist trajectories in Serbia and among the ethnic Serbian populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Distribution and molecular identification of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro

Abstract Since 2010, the South American tomato moth - Tuta absoluta (MEYRICK, 1917) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) - has been recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) and Montenegro. In 2012, pheromone traps were placed among tomato crops growing in greenhouses and open fields in 14 localities in B&H and Montenegro; the pest was caught at all the sites. Adults were caught in both greenhouses and open fields in Trebinje (B&H) on 4th June 2012 and in Ulcinj (Montenegro) in mid-May. Species identification was confirmed by means of morphological characters of adults and male genitalia. In addition, molecular identification of specimens from B&H and Montenegro was performed using mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers.

MtDNA variation within local human populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Being a crossroad of many ancient and recent historical migrations, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) represents unique spot of multicultural and social diversity. The main aim of this study was to assess genetic structure of three local populations of mountain area from central part of B&H using mtDNA HVS-1 as an informative marker for population genetics studies. A 444 bp HVS-1 segment of control region of mtDNA extracted from buccal swabs was PCR amplified and sequenced. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity, average number of nucleotide differences, AMOVA and pairwise FST based on mtDNA haplotype and haplogroup frequencies were calculated. NJ tree was constructed based on pairwise FST results. Tajima?s D was calculated to evaluate population demographic status.

Polymorphic Alu insertions in human populations of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Background: From a demographic and genetic perspective, Bosnia and Herzegovina is interwoven with a number of differentially isolated local populations of indigenous people with different population and religious backgrounds.Aim: In order to estimate their genetic structure, this study investigated the frequencies of 10 Alu polymorphic loci in 10 regional populations distributed across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Genetic differentiation among the three major population groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina was estimated.Subjects and methods: DNA from 506 unrelated individuals was extracted from buccal swabs using the salting-out extraction method. Each DNA sample was PCR-amplified using locus-specific primers.Results: Gene diversity values showed similarity in all analysed populations and ranged from 0.305–0.328. FST values for all loci showed that most variability is found within populations. Overall FST for all loci and AMOVA indicated that most variability was detected within populations.Conclusion: Results of this study are in agreement with the previous studies, indicating that the three populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the same genetic background. There is no significant differentiation among regional populations, pointing to absence of geographic influence. The Bosnian population is clearly located within the European gene pool.

Variability in germination and germination dynamics of differently treated seeds of Serbian spruce (Picea omorika Pancic/Purkynĕ)

Genetic-physiological approach was used in the study of the quality of Serbian spruce seed (Picea omorika /Pancic/Purkyn?), collected in the populations on the left bank of the river Drina. The seed originated from the three populations that represent the overall ecological and productive conditions of Serbian spruce populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Two natural populations were selected: Veliki Stolac and Gostilj, and one planted forest population in Srebrenica. The cones were collected in late autumn 2009 and early spring 2010. They were collected from five trees from Srebrenica and Gostilj, and seven trees from Veliki Stolac. Immediately after they were collected, the cones and seeds were processed and germination tests were done. Germination, germination viability and germination dynamics were studied in three categories of seed treatment: 1) control unit (just processed seed), 2) seed stored for six months at 0-4 ?C, 3) seed stored for seven months at 0-4? C and treated with fungicide after five months of storing. The number of germinated seed was observed and noted on the third, fourth, fifth, seventh, tenth, fourteenth, twenty-first and twenty-eighth day. There were significant differences in germination dynamics at the population level and the level of treatment during the first couple of days of germination test. Fungicide (captan) acted as an inhibitor on seed germination process. The seeds originating from the largest population of Veliki Stolac showed the best response to storing treatment with fungicide related to germination dynamics. The seed originating from Srebrenica andkept at low temperatures 0-4 ?C without treatment with fungicides showed the best result in germination. Regardless of the presence of differences in the dynamics of germination, significant differences in germination regarding different treatments on the last day of the test, were not recorded.

Assessing the Aftermath of War among Teens in Bosnia & Serbia: Measures of Substance Abuse and Delinquency with the POSIT (Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teens)

The Balkan Wars of 1991 to 2002 left the former Yugoslavia in ruins, a situation made only worst with the recent worldwide recession. Untreated civilians and Veterans caught up in the war, the worst in Europe since World War II, has had an even greater impact on youth. Sectarian hostilities and prejudices within and between the three major ethnic populations in Bosnia–Herzegovina—Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosniaks, and Catholic Croats, as well as the Orthodox Serbs and Muslim Albanians in Serbia/Kosovo—has led to impulsive violence and increasing mental and physical health problems among these second-generation war victims. The authors' pilot study administered a Slavic-language Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teens to schools in Bosnia–Herzegovina that represented the three major sectarian groups (Orthodox, Bosniak, Catholic) as well as in the war-torn Vojvodina province of Serbia.

Comparative indicators of genetic variability and bark beetle infestation intensity in populations of norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This study sets out comparative indicators of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on an evaluation of the attack power of bark beetles Ips typographus L. and Pityogenes chalcographus L. and the decline of spruce within the populations sampled for genetic analysis. Twelve natural forest stands and one plantation were analyzed. The average numbers of desiccated Norway spruces per stand and isoenzyme gene markers were used for comparison purposes. The results indicate that the Norway spruce population from Mt Vlasic deviates markedly from the other sampled populations, both in genetic structure and in the recorded numbers of insects, as well as in the number of desiccated trees. These results suggest the importance of using only indigenous Norway spruce reproductive material in artificial forest regeneration to ensure its higher adaptability potential. It is also necessary to develop a dynamic management system for Norway spruce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will ensure the systemic stability of forest structures. Further development of the systematic monitoring system of Norway spruce bark beetles, early detection, and the introduction of effective integral protective measures are badly needed.

Validity and reliability of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scale in the elderly population of Bosnia and Herzegovina

To adapt the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index for elderly people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and test its validity, reliability and responsiveness to change. Clinical measures alone may not be adequate for assessing the oral health of individuals. Subjective oral health indicators tested within a particular cultural context may not be relevant across cultures. The study population comprised 231 free-living adults aged 65 years or older. The OIDP was cross-culturally adapted from English into the Serbian language and its psychometric properties were tested. Data were collected using a clinical examination and a questionnaire containing the OIDP. In terms of reliability, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.82 and the intraclass correlation coefficient 0.88. The very high correlation of OIDP with self-rated oral health (r = 0.78) verified criterion validity, while construct validity was demonstrated through its significant and graded associations with other subjective health measures. OIDP change scores on a treated subsample showed moderate effect size (0.59) and were associated with perceptions of oral health change, providing evidence for its responsiveness to change. The Bosnian version of the OIDP showed satisfactory validity, reliability and responsiveness to change confirming its appropriateness for use among older populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

English

IntroductionThis paper explores whether microcredit (MC) programs have any effect on alleviating poverty and restoring livelihoods for the targeted populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). Doyle, who conducted a comprehensive review on the general impact of MC in helping refugees, returnees and IDPs in improving their living conditions and restoring their livelihoods, seems to believe so (Doyle, 1998 & 2008). As a mechanism that has a stated directive and the objective of targeting the most impoverished groups of society, the role of microfinance in BH deserves much more attention and serious exploration.Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that endured a devastating war from 1992- 1995. The traditional best-practice paradigms of microfinance are inapplicable in war and conflict-affected situations because of the instability of the governmental and financial institutions, and the lack of communal and social trust among individuals. Within these post-war environments, refugees, returnees and internally displaced populations (IDPs) are among the most marginalized and helpless of the affected groups. Providing microfinance to them is then perhaps the most challenging problem facing practitioners and MC institutions engaged in this kind of relief and development work. Various micro-financial institutions have been active in Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1996 and struggle with providing services in such a challenging environment. An insight into their work promises to uncover strategies that may be employed with the problems and successes of such endeavors. Therefore, this paper will shed light on the work of these organizations and their effectiveness.The following relevant research questions are addressed in this study:Research question number one: How do micro-credits affect the livelihoods of the targeted groups, and to what extent do refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees have access to micro-credits in Bosnia and Herzegovina?Research question number two: What are the objectives of the microcredit programs, and what are the most requested loans in Bosnia and Herzegovina?Research question number three: What are the perspectives of the beneficiaries of micro-credits in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding this service and its impact on them?There is a big debate and doubts about the certain impact of the MC industry in BH both at the local and international levels. The reports from the World Bank, Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) and the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AMFI) show that; among peers in Kosovo and in the Balkans (Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) in general, as well as peers similar in size and market outreach from Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA), the Bosnian MFIs are some of the most highly leveraged, more than 70 percent of all funding to MFIs in BH during 2007 came from foreign lenders. In 2007, most Bosnian MFIs showed high growth rates in active borrowers and especially loan portfolio. More than half of the non-bank MFIs grew by more than 50 percent in outreach. On the other hand, others like Karnani (2007a) suggested that governments, businesses and civil society should work together to reallocate their resources away from microfinance and instead support larger enterprises in labour intensive industries. A strong critique comes from Bateman (2007a) 'new wave commercial microfinance' where he asks whether microfinance can actually undermine medium-term economic development because it supports inefficient activities. Bateman found that there is little solid evidence to confirm that commercial microfinance facilitates sustain economic and social development.However, this paper might provide some evidence as to whether the MCI in BH, with it's both commercial and non-profit institutions, helps in alleviating poverty and promots economic and social development.Literature ReviewOrigin and Philosophy of MicrocreditMicro-credits, as a viable tool of development, began in 1976 when Bangladeshi economist and social reformer Muhammad Yunus began lending small amounts of money to rural poor women of Jobra village to start or expand their businesses. …

Genetic characterization of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The genetic structures of six populations of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been characterized by means of isozyme analyses. Using six polymorphic gene loci, a total of 16 alleles have been found with a number of nine alleles, which were in common in all populations. In general, the values of observed heterozygosity reflect a very high level of individual genetic variation. Great differences in the relative allele frequencies lead to relatively high gene pool distances between the populations. Whereas the genetic structures of four populations corresponded essentially with the results of publicized investigations of yew populations from other parts of Europe, two occurrences show great differences. The possible reasons of these peculiarities are discussed. Based on the results of the genetic analyses, different measures for the maintenance and development of the genetic resources are recommended. The conservation management on the population level can prevent the possible loss of genetic adaptation as far as the reasons of genetic differences and their importance are not discovered to a sufficient extent.

A serosurvey reveals Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Europe's hotspot in hantavirus seroprevalence

The extent of hantavirus seroprevalence in the healthy population from Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet been investigated; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the hantavirus seroprevalence in the population from different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in different risk groups. The serosurvey included 1331 subjects from endemic and non-endemic regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All sera samples were examined using IgG ELISA, and Western blot (Bunyavirus IgG) tests. Hantavirus seroprevalence was 7.4% in the endemic region and 2.4% in the non-endemic region (P<0.05). Former soldiers from the endemic region had significantly the highest seroprevalence (16.1%) compared to the general population from the endemic region (6.2%), the occupational risk group from the non-endemic region (5.6%) and the general population from the non-endemic region (0.8%) (P<0.01). No difference in hantavirus seroprevalence between gender or age groups was observed. Hantavirus seroprevalence in different populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina was found to be highest compared to other central European countries.

Effects of forced migrations on spatial and temporal changes in genetic structure of two local populations in Bosnia

Ten qualitative traits were observed in two isolated human populations in Bosnia for prewar and postwar periods. Due to recent war in Bosnia and Herzegovina two million citizens was forced to migrate. Dramatic migration effects occurred in the investigated populations. Population characteristics found were geographic isolation, high levels of marital distance “zero”, patrilocality and propagation isolation. Relative recessive allele frequencies of ten qualitative traits were calculated. Average heterozigosity, genetic differentiation, total heterozigosity, within populations heterozigosity, genetic distance and relative measures based on results of genetic distance analysis were observed. The total number of observed individuals was 1875. We have observed 1209 individuals in prewar period (Bijela population 731 and Memici population 478) and 666 individuals in the postwar period (Bijela population 248 and Memici population 478). Results ofFst andGst analysis showed changed degree of genetic differentiation across observed loci. Significant changes in differentiation were recorded for crooked little finger and PTC tasting. Modest changes of gene differentiation were recorded for ear lobe type and thumb proximal extensibility. Genetic distance analisis between Bijela and Memici has lower value after then before the war, but genetic distance between Bijela-prewar and Bijela-postwar has higher value, as well as Memici-prewar and Memici-postwar genetic distance. Genetic distance between Bijela-prewar and Memiciprewar, as well as Bijela-postwar and Memici-postwar showed similarity. Constructed dendrogram based on results of genetic distance analyses indicated two clusters groups (1. Bijela-prewar, Memici-prewar; 2. Bijela-postwar, Memici-postwar). Changed genetic differentiation and results of genetic distance analyses indicated possibility of significant impact of forced migration in genetic structure of observed populations.

DNA diversity in the studies of genetic distance among isolated human populations in bosnia

Different degrees of isolation found in various part of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be induced by various factors. Bjelasnica-Treskavica region, located around 40 kilometers southwest from Sarajevo — capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is highly specific in that way. We chose three isolated communities: Dejcici, Bobovica and Lukomir for the study of genetic structure of isolated human populations. Based on general data three relative degrees of isolation/openness among the villages have been presumed as follows: first (lower-Dejcici), second (middle — Bobovica) and third (higher — Lukomir) 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci and hypervariable region of mtDNA were chosen as a markers for study of population structure. Microsatellite allele frequencies, and mtDNA molecular diversity of Heterozigosity and coefficient of gene differentiation across all observed STR loci were estimated. Also, gene and nucleotide diversity of observed mtDNA regions were obtained. Genetic distance between three populations was calculated using method of Reynolds et al. (1983). For analysis of interpopulation relationship based on polymorphism of HV I and HV II region, estimation of pairwise differences was used. results of this research showed consistence with initial hypothesis on divergence based on socio-cultural factors.

Peace Building in the Balkans: Is There a Need to Stay the Course?

A year ago, Thomas L. Friedman published an already-famous article in which he claimed that democracy was sprouting tentatively in the ethnically pure states of the former Yugoslavia, whereas in multi-ethnic Bosnia, democratic development was farther from the goal set by the Dayton Accords than ever. Mr. Friedman’s thesis is that Dayton’s provisions should be abandoned, Bosnians (whatever their constituency) should decide for themselves where they want to live, and then let democracy take hold after the populations have “parted.” Only this, Friedman feels, can help Bosnians to think beyond tribal interests, concluding that it is “not an accident McDonald’s still refuses to operate [there].”2 These calls to abdicate any responsibility for promoting the ideal of multiethnic coexistence as framed by the Dayton Peace Accords (DPA) are not infrequent. The International Crisis Group pointed out in its December 2000 report that elections were only helping to dig deeper divisions between communities by allowing extremists to perpetuate their strangle hold on power.3 The ICG believes that it is time to rethink the DPA’s strategy of elections as a means of speeding up democratic development and allowing a NATO pullout. It advocates that the international community take all the measures allowed by the Dayton Accords to enforce compliance by the parties, instead of putting its faith blindly in a democratic ethos that is simply not emerging. Implicit in this assessment is the notion that, since the implementation of Dayton seems too difficult, its usefulness comes into question as a matter of consequence. By extension, amendment of the DPA or its eradication would nullify the possibility of multi-ethnicity. The ICG’s position is tantamount to revisionism. These positions are similar, but there are nuances. Mr. Friedman would have the international community preside over a more or less formal “population exchange” that would see Croatia and Serbia inherit a form of “sphere of influence” over their respective populations in Bosnia, while NATO would take on the spon-