Serbian Protestors Set Fire to US Embassy
Breaking news: U.S. Embassy broke into and set afire by Serbian protestors. Here’s the brief from International Herald Tribune,”Serb rioters broke into the U.S. Embassy Thursday and set fire to an office after a massive protest against Kosovo’s independence that drew an estimated 150,000 people.
Masked attackers broke into the building, which has been closed this week, and tried to throw furniture from an office. A blaze broke out inside one of the offices and parts of the facade also caught fire.
Authorities drove armored jeeps down the street and fired tear gas to clear the crowd. The protesters dispersed into side streets where they continued clashing with authorities.
The neighboring Croatian Embassy also was attacked by the same group of protesters.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack strongly urged the Serbian government to protect the U.S. Embassy. He said the U.S. ambassador was at his home and was in contact with U.S. officials.”
This is an open thread for anyone who would like to comment on the volatile situation.
February 21st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I’m a Serbophile, and its a dark day for Serbdom. Much of the sympathy that Serbs could have gained from showing dignified outrage at having part of its country taken away from it has been squandered by the display of thuggery and criminality in Belgrade, and more importantly the government’s willful failure to contain it. A narrative that could have focused on an historical injustice and a dangerous precedent for the international system has been superseded by cowardly and drunken violence on the streets of Belgrade. Bas steta!
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:58 am
I have not read about the level of readiness of our Embassy after the announcement of Kosovo’s independence.
Were the European Embassies reinforced to protect its US grounds?
We knew how emotional these people are and we need to help them recognize we are serious and they should think twice before attacking US Embassies.
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Matt,
I agree, a civil protest might have helped win mild support to their cause as opposed to their chaotic intrusion into the embassy which in turn has drawn ire from the international community.
Ilhamy,
I just reviewed the homepage for the American Embassy in Serbia. Whereas there are travel advisories and the announcement for the evacuation of non-essential staff up now, I do not see much of a warning or raised readiness level in their previous news briefs. That’s not to say Ambassador Munter did not hold private discussions with his staffers.
Matt, Ilhamy,
What actions might you suggest the United States, NATO, and/or the UN could do to help ameliorate the current situation?
February 26th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Inform and educate the masses.
Timely sharing of information is crucial in improving such situations.
This is not an easy task, it starts with being aware what is going on, understand it and studying the different outcomes and preparing for them.
If it is important, than the organizations that have a stake in the situation need to do their job, keep in touch, understand and learn and be proactive to minimize/control the damage and if a win-win situation can not be achieved, then the next best solution be implemented.
Situations like this do not erupt without a “long” build up, sensing change and being aware and educating people and highlighting the benefits of taking one coarse of action than another is the responsibility of the leaders and stake holders.