Latest Blogs from the Balkans
The Autonomous Province of Kosovo
Instead of nationalistic weeping, the Serbian nation should be presented with a more pragmatic question: Do they want Kosovo as a province, when it is evident that they cannot rule it with the oppression imposed on Albanians for nearly two decades?
The Untrodden Path
As you awoke this morning, September 28, you were no doubt blissfully unaware of the enormity of the day ahead. This 24-hour stretch has been “International Right to Know Day” since 2003.
The Kingdom of Looting
There is a phenomenon that is readily associated with swathes of Kosovo’s post war politicians. In diplomatic terms it is known as “corruption”. For me and many of my fellow citizens it is nothing short of robbery.
Small Change
So when she threw my five dinar coin back at me, she wanted to tell me that the National Bank of Serbia has withdrawn that coin from circulation and that, while they probably informed the public about it, it seems I did not see the announcement.
Foraging – the art of food that’s wild, free and locally-grown
There’s a feral frisson to the idea of foraging – it brings to mind leathery-skinned wise old men of the hills with eyes that glint like juniper berries and the knowledge of how to make acorn coffee.
A Vicious Circle
As I investigated the condition of children without parental care in Bosnia, I realized that I could only get so far without filling in the bigger picture.
Mountain Rescue
The wildfire on Mount Vitosha broke out just as the fire of the protest movement, down in dusty Sofia, was slowly dying.
The Anonymous Host
I asked my friend Sanja to wait in the car while I conducted the interview. “He doesn’t want to speak on the record,” I told her. “I can’t see why I would stay for more than 30 minutes.”
The Best of a Bad Deal
Long before the global economy was brought to its knees, good jobs have been scarce in my part of the world.
Grassroots Support
Great players are not the only legends honoured at Glasgow’s Ibrox stadium, home to the Rangers football club.
Mixed-up and Moderate
Outside London’s central mosque, I approached a young woman who was distributing leaflets urging assistance for children caught up in Syria’s war.
Squatters’ Rites
In the beginning, this story seemed to have many of the ingredients of a classic investigation: Corruption allegations, tycoons, politicians, puzzles and reams of paperwork.
Bosnians, Save Money – Don't Eat
When officials openly insult the poor, or say corruption is their normal state of mind, I can't wait to see the reaction the next day – when, of course, nothing happens!
Fellowship 2010: Taboo
The Fellowship 2010 e-book available now
Pill Addiction Grips the Balkans
Women Head East for Wombs to Rent
Battered Wives Shunned in the Balkans
Trapped in Black: Balkan War Widows
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Hague Prosecutor: Our Work Isn’t Over Yet
The Hague Tribunal has been successful in bringing wartime commanders to justice but hasn’t met expectations on reconciliation, chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz told BIRN.
Speak Up Opens Amid Hope and Scepticism
