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I'm from Belgrade, trust me it's far more complicated than that. There are Chinese pushing into the whole region who are a perfect fit to the current corrupted
by ivanhoe 6y ago
I'm from Belgrade, trust me it's far more complicated than that. There are Chinese pushing into the whole region who are a perfect fit to the current corrupted dictatorship going on in Serbia, there's CIA pushing weapons to Middle East using Serbian arm dealers, there's Arabs'/offshore money being pumped into the country, there's drug money from Kosovo, there're Russians with whom Serbia has many historical connections, but who don't really care that much about Balkan anymore, there's EU that's been a cockteaser for decades, but not really interested in Balkan integrations (but wants us as a market)... and on all of that you also have Balkan states post-war conflicts and internal political conflicts and corruption in Serbia...
- elmo2you 6y agoFor what it's worth .. I have a rather intimate/inside perspective on Serbia and its dealings .. and yes, I can confirm that all of the things you mentioned are indeed true. Plus a whole lot more, which I rather not get into. Long story short: it is indeed complicated. Even to the point where the focus on very legitimate concerns themselves, can also be used for a political (foreign) agenda that might not care much about those concerns themselves (only about how people respond to them). I'm not saying that's the case here (I honestly don't know), but it happens regularly that legitimate criticism is hijacked for another (political) purpose. Sadly Serbia is (or has become) a perfect target/partner for many foreign investments/endeavors that can't quite stand the light of day, with many eager local accomplices who gladly keep what they know to themselves in exchange for outside guarantees of compensation/support/protection/safety. It pains me, because the country is dear to my heart. We will see if this current "equilibrium" (of sorts) will eventually tear itself violently apart, or if there's a chance to peacefully transition to a better situation. As it is now, I highly doubt it can remain sustainable for long. There's just too many skeletons in the closet. At some point the (intentional/instigated) squeeze of a single person could trigger a chain reaction that not even the most draconian containment measures could control, let alone stop. The country will be in ruins by then though (if it isn't already).