Journalist Ivica Puljić spoke about the relationship of the United States of America towards Bosnia and Herzegovina after the decision to extend the state of emergency for the Western Balkans, assessing that international relations are changing and that domestic politicians must adapt their approach to the new American administration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina between the interests of America and Europe
Commenting on the current role of the USA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Puljić said that European indecision and the absence of more decisive action by the international community leave room for reconsidering the American role in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“The European indecision and the Peace Implementation Council’s abdication of its duty towards Bosnia and Herzegovina forces the United States to examine its role in the current international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Puljić said.
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently between the interests of Europe and the United States, stating that the American focus is on the Southern Gas Interconnection, gas power plants and two airports.
“All we know from all this is that there is an idea. For now, there is no financial structure, no transparency. But there are strong connections to the Trump regime, which does not exactly inspire confidence given what is happening within America, but also around the world where Trump has his fingers. They say the ultimate goal is to stop the spread of Russian influence in the Balkans,” he said.
Speaking about American policy towards Russia, Puljić points out that we need to distinguish between President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
“Trump does not like Russia, but he loves Putin. The way Putin rules, autocratically, with an iron fist. The American president would like that, but democracy does not die overnight,” he said.
New reality in Washington
Referring to the changes in the American administration, Puljić pointed out that today’s State Department no longer has diplomats who had direct knowledge of the war and post-war history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Congress has a supportive understanding of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they know what is happening, while the State Department has its own agenda. In the Trump administration, there are no longer any diplomats from the so-called Dayton class, who knew very well the war and post-war history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now we have people who do not pay attention to what happened in the nineties,” he emphasized.
Puljić believes that Milorad Dodik and Željka Cvijanović recognized the way in which they can exercise influence in the new administration.
“Milorad Dodik and Željka Cvjanović correctly assessed that they should be targeted, the easiest and fastest, of course, to go through money. Dodik lobbied before, spent huge sums of money, but he couldn’t do anything. Now he is,” Puljić pointed out.
According to him, politicians in Sarajevo should adapt their strategy to the new circumstances in Washington.
“Politicians in Sarajevo must understand the new reality, they must change their approach to the Trump administration, they must think more like business people, less like politicians,” he said.
He also added that Dodik uses tactics in which he presents himself as the protector of Christianity against Islamization, and this is currently happening in Washington – warned Puljić.
Opportunity for cooperation through dedicated industry
Speaking about the possible appointment of a new American ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Puljić stated that Brigadier General Ronald Johnson could open up space for cooperation in the field of dedicated industry.
“It is a great opportunity for the Federation of BiH entity, whose representatives through the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Washington would have to contact Mr. Johnson, regardless of the fact that his nomination in the Senate has not yet been confirmed,” concluded Puljić.
He also commented on the upcoming match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the USA at the World Cup. He said that the Americans are overbearing and arrogant before this match, not understanding, as he pointed out, that Bosnia and Herzegovina is already the winner and that this is just another match for them, Federalna writes.
