The combination of nationalism and religion is very explosive, as Kosovo shows. Religions which claim to be universal and to promote peace betray those claims. Far from dissuading the Serbs from their brutality, the Serb Orthodox Church has blessed them. The Serbs claim that Kosovo is holy, since it was the site of their defeat by the Turks in 1389, which somehow they celebrate as a victory. Serb TV has been running films of the battle. Serbs assert that the Zionists have treated the Palestinians as they are treating the Kosovars; the Palestinians make a similar claim to justify the intifada. There should be a statute of limiations on such claims. Otherwise we shall fight our way back to the jungle. The Greeks can make a similar claim to "Constantinople", as they call Istambul. More later on that particular subject. The Pope has issued a statement calling for peace and putting the whole operation under the United Nations. He hopes to appease the Orthodox Church and facilitate a reconciliation.

In Los Angeles, Serb Americans have demonstrated with the blessing of their local churches. They are behaving like Serbs, not Americans. There have been similar demonstrations in Paris and other cities. They know not what they do, or perhaps they do. As Andre Chenier might have said: "Oh, religion! What crimes are committed in your name!"

Ronald Hilton - 03/29/99