RICHNESS AND POVERTY, LANDLORDS AND PEASANTS

THE MAGNIFICENCE AND MISERY OF ETHNIC DIVERSITY

Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Sarajevo, Croatia, Czech Republic, Old East/West Germany, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Yugoslavia.  Voyvodina, Moldavia, Montenegro. Armenia, Belarus, Chechnya, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine.  Gypsies, Ustashi, Holocaust, Milosovic, Karadic, Ethnic Cleansing, Kings and Queens, Genocide, Revolution . . .

Eastern Europe? Central Europe? East Central Europe? Southwestern Europe? Southeastern Europe? The Balkans?  What name shall we use?  The "groupings" are illusive and changing - based on myth, tradition, dreams, treaties, geography, trade-offs, history, symbols, perceptions, prejudice, power politics, arrogance, ignorance, and HOPE.  The concepts of "Balkans" and "southern" bring erroneous or incomplete images of unique civil wars, hatred, barbarism, primitive, poor, irredeemable.  The concept of "central" brings the same erroneous or incomplete images of uniquely civilized, developed, "western" values.  Is it any wonder that the nations bordering the "western" and "civilized" nations such as Germany and Austria exert enormous effort to link themselves to them and distance themselves from "the other."  Is "it" a region?  What is "it."  The reader will need to make his/her own distinctions.  Whatever else, the "civilized" nations of the world in the 20th Century have treated this area with disdain, indifference, frustration, and reacted with ignorance, hubris, cruelty, and discrimination.

For 30 years, I have spent large chunks of time in this area, in all of the countries, making friends (and enemies), driving into every large city and small hamlet, listening - and caring.  I have spent considerable time being "interviewed" by the secret police of each nation that had them - because it was always assumed that I must be either Jewish or a CIA agent.  They could not seem to grasp that I was only an ordinary and intrigued human - perplexed by the beauty, cultures, complexity, talents, cruelty, myths, courage, suffering, strength, dreams, yearnings, of people, personalities, in an area of the world that had always been powerless and faced with  the kind of CHOICELESS CHOICES that few Americans could understand.  Small countries hemmed in on all sides by big bullies whose interests could always be imposed.  Threatened nations and regions and provinces surrounded by danger and enemies. Human beings, like us, who have the same needs for recognition, stability, a better future for their children, community, and food and clothing and shelter.

Each year I go, at least twice, particularly to Kosovo, Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Slovenia, Romania and Hungary.  On 9/11, I was on the border between Macedonia and Kosovo.  As I continue to go to EE, I will add to and continue to revise the material for the following countries.

From April 1997 to October 2002, this Web Book was accessed 11,500,000 times.  I am no longer keeping track.
    Created Primarily for Netscape

None of the following may be reproduced in any manner.
Internet Book Copyright, K. Feig, last full upgrade, August 2001

Internet Book Index

Albania	Bulgaria	Croatia	Czech Republic	Germany
Hungary	Macedonia	Poland	Romania	Russia
Gypsies	Slovakia	Slovenia	Armenia   Belarus   Georgia	Latvia   Lithuania   Ukraine
EasternEurope Part II Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Holocaust	BOSNIA/HERZ.  Table of Contents	Kosovo     Table of  Contents	Yugoslavia  Table Contents	Vojvodina   Table of Contents
Holocaust  in EE   Table of Contents	ONLINE  COLLEGE   COURSES	H 4A:Modern Western Civiliz.  H4B:  Middle World of WCiviliz.	Ancient   World	Dedication Copyright

THE REGION

KEY:  To understanding Eastern Europe on a regular basis.  Folks, particulary students should read this site at least WEEKLY and go through for research.  Outstanding daily press releases, Radio Free Europe interviews of Eastern European leaders and their biographies and speeches, outstanding Special Reports and Special Analyses, quotes of the week.

ALERT: Central Europe Review

Formerly a central, critical source with ews that needed to be checked often. It covered so much that the American news including CNN didnot cover.  Now it is a fornightly Journal of Politics, Society and Culture. It is still imperative.  Reviews, features, interviews, opinion, and in-depth analysis of cultural and ethnic diversity from Central Europe to Central Asia. Many important E Books on European Affairs.  Its 1999 and 2000 archives are very helpful.  Remember, the focus and slant is Central Europe - not the "Balkans" or "Southern Europe."

ALERT:  European Internet Network.  

Click to every country and region.  You could spend the weekend here and end up knowing a great deal about every East European country.  Critical site. Premier collection of current news.

ALERT:  TOL - TRANSITIONS ONLINE

Leading Internet magazine covering Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the former Soviet Union. Czech nonprofit dedicated to strengthening independent journalism, TOL based in Prague and uses a network of local correspondents to provide unique, cross-regional analysis. Timely reporting, In-depth analysis, cross-border perspectives.  Only magazine to cover all of the region's 28 post-communist countries.  Free 2 month trial membership here.  Or One Year Student Membership is $12.

ALERT: The BBC

The real news.  And excellent articles.  Search for the country you wish to know about.

BBC World Service - Soooooooo important and soooooo good.  Can't leave home without it.  Click to EUand read the Talking Points.  "Enlarging Europe" - Click on it to the map of the old, new, and wannabe countries and then get quick facts on population and economy by clicking on each of the "red and yellow" countries.

Europe Today - Another excellent but slightly different BBC offering.

ALERT: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Newsline:  Outstanding news, articles, perspective.

Weekday Magazine - Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro
Radio Free Europe - Latest News from the Balkans

ALERT:  VOICE OF AMERICA NEWS

Politics, Arts & Culture, Business, Health & Medicine, International, Science & Tech, Sports.

ALERT:  NJI -  NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS

ALERT:  Central Europe Online - For Global Professionals

Subscribe for $1.99 a month here. "Or $5.95 a month.  No other company aggregates the range of content that EIN does 365 days per year. It's focused. It's updated everyday. It's delivered to inboxes and on the web. It's human edited and filtered. It's moderated. All users are encouraged to sign up today! Benefits: EIN News Services Account -- only $5.95 per month! Unlimited access to all Country News Sections via e-mail and on the web. Choose from 254+ daily e-mail newsletters No risk, 100% 7 day money back guarantee.   Help Desk Assistance." and then the

ACTION:  Pick a country and and join the discussion on issues.  Talk, react.  Easy to do.

ALERT: Embassy - Country Watch

Superb, brief information on every country in world.  Year 2002.  Key data, history, culture, economy, agriculture, environment. Click here and you get current news, maps, sign-up-country-review in PDF.  Political History, government, offices, foreign affairs, defense, leader biographies.  Economic History, key data, macroeconomic, global rankings, trade, GDP, population, development, technology.  Investment overview, social-cultural overview, environmental overview, etc. To access some of it you must be a subscriber.  If the country is the one you are researching for the quarter or semester, it might be well to pay the $39 for full access or the $39 for the country forecast.

ALERT: Southeastern Europe - Excellent wide summary information.  One year old to November 2001. Focus on Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova. Then Click to Balkans Region.

Or Country Analyses for all of Europe.

ALERT:  Economic Reconstruction and Development for SouthEast Europe.  (European Commission and the World Bank).

 What's happening in all of Southern Europe.  Click on the map by country.

ALERT:  Lonely Planet

Actually for some (not all) of these nations in turmoil, Lonely Planet gives some of the clearest, tightest, and most up-to-date summaries on the range of subjects. Search by country.

Online Jim Lear News Hour

Check it periodically. Often deals with Eastern Europe. Go to Past Programs and find many articles and programs on Eastern Europe. Use also subject box, "Foreign Correspondence." Many articles, interviews. Click on Special Reports - then Europe.

Eastern European Studies at Institutions List

List of universities and think tanks with programs in East European Studies present on the Internet.

THE COUNTRIES OF EASTERN EUROPE

For all countries, excellent update sources are the Daily or Weekly On-Line Magazines and Newspapers. They integrate the present with the past.  PLEASE USE FOR EACH COUNTRY.  Also please remember that many of these countries are either very poor,  or in political turmoil and instability, or devasted environmentally, or without continuous water and electricity, or in "war," or all of the above.  Many talented computer folks have emigrated.  So important sites go down or disappear all the time.  Servers operate sporadically.  Be patient with them. Many of these nations want desperately to communicate.  If you find a chat, please talk to the folks.

VERY SPECIAL PLACES - some are dated for obvious reasons such as war, devastation and the like.

Albanian World Wide Web Home Page - A SPECIAL EFFORT

The Award Winning comprehensive gateway to the new Albanian pages on the WWW.  Contains much new information.  Covers not only the country of Albania, but Albanians - because "Albanians cover a far larger territory than the country.  DATED.  Site Folks No longer have money or time to upgrade.

Alexander Palace Time Machine: A SPECIAL PLACE

Alexander Palace, home of the last Tsar. Tour the Palace Parade Rooms, rooms of Nickolas II, rooms of Aleksandra, children's rooms, palace treasures, Faberge, the palace today, history of the characters in the story.

Bucknell Russian Studies: A SPECIAL PAGE

No better source on Russia, done so beautifully by students at Bucknell University.

Treasures of the Czars: A PREMIER WEB SITE

One of best sites on Web. Received accolades across Net. Major exhibition. All the history and culture you could wish for. Don't miss "Playground of the Czars."

  ALBANIA: The Surprise - On Again, Off Again

September 2001.  Well wasn't that interesting!  On September 9, I flew from Albania to Macedonia.  So much to say about current Albania.  I have been in the "High Lands," on the ocean, in the "City."  Impossible to describe right now.  On September 11, I was observing the gathering of weapons on the Macedonian/Kosovo border, and headquartered in Skjope.  Then it took 8 days to get back to America.  So involved now in those events, and the panels I must be on.  And need to go to Georgia and Azerbaijan.  No time to update Albania, but so much about it to ponder.

August 2001.  Off again to Albania, a country poorer than my last "visit" if that were possible.  I will be there in September 2001.
1999.  In September 1999, I could only shake my head.  Ten days ago on a fairly cold dark morning, 5 a.m., I was standing outside the Hyatt Hotel in Belgrade waiting for my Serbian "organizer" friend to pick me up in his "good" car with "good" gas for the tough drive to the "border" or field where I would walk across with my luggage to the KFOR tanks and meet my ride to Prishtina, Kosovo.  A major "learned" Italian reporter from a lead Rome newspaper who had spent much time in Belgrade walked out and joined me.  He was waiting for the van that would take him back to Budapest on his seven hour drive.  He asked me where I was going and I said, "Kosovo."  "Tsk, tsk," he reacted.  "I hope you do not think those Albanians are human, because you will get killed."  He added, "I have known many Albanians and been to Albania and they are all animals - lazy, dirty, ignorant, criminals.  The KLA are all drug lords, and the Albanians in the country of Albania just want to take over Kosovo and then Serbia."  I was really too tired to either argue or try to deal intelligently with that kind of stupidity.  

You see, I had heard it all before, in fact relentlessly in the time I had spent in Belgrade.  I heard it previously in the years before in every Eastern European country.  I heard it in Sarajevo right after the war as well as in Croatia.  Across Europe, from the mouths of officials, professors, reporters, "common" folks. The Albanians of Albania and whereever else they might abide, are surely the Gypsies and black people of Eastern Europe.  The stereotypes seem familiar in terms of stereotypes (not history) to me as I stand there in that brisk darkness to the words I heard coming out of Americans across the USA in the Sixties, Sevenites and even today.  My mind floated back to statements that African Americans are genetically dumb, can't learn, take drugs, are vicious, and on and on.  And I reminded myself that "smart" people, reporters, professional people in America said those things and sometimes still do.  I knew I could not say to this erudite Italian that some of my best friends are Albanian.  Or that I knew remarkable bright Albanians in Kosovo, Macedonia,  and Albania, or that ..... That response would have overwhelmed me with its triteness.  Is it not sad that all I wanted to do or could think to do was just beat the heck out of him!  What a limited, ignorant impuse of mine.  Yet it was all I had left in me as I was leaving Serbia.  

I wrote this following portion of the Albanian Essay in December 1997 and August 98.  I leave it up for contrast and to give pause and thought..  My "dated"  comments are in  brown.
1997-98.  Pundits wrote that Albania, the most isolated, controlled of all EE nations, would never succumb to the revolutionary fever spreading across Europe. Yet it did, and in face of the worst poverty of any of these nations, is making a valiant attempt to build an open society, or so I believe when I am there and see the EXTREME difference between life in the old days and now. In the next to last election, however, manipulation, violent police intimidation, fraud marred the process - with beatings and arrest of the opposition supporters in that old ruthless approach.

When I stand on the coast of Albania, I know it is one of the most beautiful countries in its natural form that I have ever seen. A writer in 1913 called it "a most singular country" or "a most marvelous country." Others have referred to it as the "Switzerland of the Balkans" or as the "rock garden of southeastern Europe." But its uncommon isolation from the world, arising generally from its rugged, mountainous terrain and its government has led foreigners to speak of it as "the Tibet of Europe" or as a country more mysterious than central Africa. And it is such a young nation - in terms of integration into the modern world. Look carefully at a map and note the countries and therefore the conditions which surround it. Like other eastern nations, its destiny is not its own alone to decide.  I think it clear that one major key to the future of Albania lies in the Kosovo situation - or so I have been saying for 5 years.  The Serbs will not leave Kosovo alone - and when the 90% of the population which are Albanian get too desperate as they are bound to do, the region will explode - unless international wisdom and courage pervails which seems unlikely. And no matter what, Kosovo will be independent ultimately, regardless of anything anyone says or does, regardless of any great event in 1300 BC on a nondescript field - unless of course, Serbia kills most or the Albanians in Kosovo.

Perhaps one should remember that Albania shrouded itself in complete isolation for many years. Actually, the renaissance and reformation passed it by during Turkish rule. During all wars, other nations have used it as a battleground. Until 1990, Hoxha for decades had banned religion, automobiles, foreign credits, and sealed tight the border. Clannish home-grown communism, atheistic, a prison. Hoxha wrote: "The Albanian people will eat grass rather than renounce their defense of Marxism-Leninism." By the time he died in 1985, the isolated, destitute humans, with a per capita country annual income under $900, were eating grass. The size of Maryland, Albania has the only "untouched" seacoast in the area. And it is, in a classical sense, the most beautiful and untouched of its neighbors in Eastern Europe. In Tirana, one can see several new hotels built by Europeans and Japanese sprouting up. Does Albania want any other country's land? Sure - in Greece and Serbia.

On October 24, 1997, Dr. Elez Biberaj, Chief of Albanian Services for the Voice of America, an Albanian native who earned his Political Science PhD at Columbia University, came to the Bay area to San Jose University for a small seminar.  In 1993, he had written, "The future of Albania looks bright but it will have to overcome substantial problems." When asked if he still believed his statement, he pointed to the bright side: 1) Despite his past record, the Albanians are willing to give President Nano a chance; 2) Nano "really enjoys the international support now" - but that comes with a tremendous price; 3) "the US is very supportive right now of Nano."  But, he added, "the situation is very dangerous.  If this government fails, it will be anarchy.  And that would bring into question the very existence of Albania as a country."  Greece might well move on the south and Italy on the North, for example.  He offered other observations. "Albania lacks a center." "Regional differences in every country exist, but ethnic differences are not at the core in Albania."

In the economic area, in the 20th Century, Albania has not been a viable nation, noted Dr. Berija.  Regional integration is all it has going for it.  Nano has no choice but to do what the IMF says Albania must do - with all of the attending negative public reaction. His conclusion when pressed:  "The future is bleak and interesting, but the Albanian people have seen worse."

The same afternoon, I listened to and questioned the brilliant Dr. Gramoz Pashko, Head Economic Advisor to the Albanian Government and the man who represents that nation to The IMF, the World Bank, etc.  A former professor of economics at the University of Tirana, he was also a deputy Prime Minister in the first post-communist government in Albania as well as a candidate for Prime Minister in 1996.  He had just flown in from Brussels.  He is more confident - because of the assistance now pledged by the IMF and surrounding nations such as Greece, Italy.  The Albanian government must meet the IMF conditions.  Albania just agreed to raise it value-added tax from 12% to 20% and to close the last two banks and to end all pyramid schemes.  These steps may be draconian, but, says Dr. Pashko, they are essential. He believes the country politically must come together - "because it must.  It no longer has the luxury of division and undermining in a political sense."  Its inflation rate is only about 48% and its unemployment rate is only about 20%.  It has resources and talent.  And it has support.  No one wants it to disintegrate because it would cause great turmoil in the region. - 1997-98

SPECIAL PLACES

Albanian World Wide Web Home Page - A SPECIAL EFFORT - (Site now "out of business")

Covered not only the country of Albania, but Albanians - because "Albanians cover a far larger territory than the country, and to speak of Albania only would mean excluding half of the ethnic Albanian population.  Albania has a population of about 3.3 million, with seven million Albanians who live in their ancestral lands in the Balkans."  Statement gives a certain insight into the concept of nationhood! Albania continues to undergo profound social, political, and economic change.  I suppose the best outside view of conditions comes from the US Travel Advisory. "Facilities for tourism are not well developed and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Hotel accommodations are limited outside of Tirana. Major roads are passable, but often in poor repair. Travelers have reported attacks by bands of thieves in all parts of the country. There are no commercial domestic flights and few rail connections. Albania has a high rate of violent crime. The influx of refugees from Kosovo has increased the potential for criminal activity, especially in the northeastern part of the country. Criminal activity outside Tirana is especially prevalent.  Medical facilities are limited, and medicine is in short supply. There are periodic outbreaks of polio, cholera, and dysentery. " August 14, 1998 the US ordered all diplomats out of the country for fear of terrorist attacks." Sounds quite dismal, does it not?  But peruse the following sites and get a different opinion.  One can still go to Albania and meet the folks without getting killed!
As always, I feel sad, grateful for the sharing and insights I receive from Albanian humans - and hopeful, in the very longggggggg run.

REENIC Albania Information Center - Probably the Widest Coverage for Albania

Albania Today

Well, here's the news!

Lonely Planet

Well, I do not necessarily agree, but here is the current one!  "This pint-sized, sunny slice of Adriatic coast has been ground down for years by poverty, blood vendettas and too many five year plans. For years boatloads of refugees have fled for a better life elsewhere, but Albania still manages to pack a wild punch of traditional Mediterranean charm and Soviet-style inefficiency. It is a giddy blend of religions, styles, cultures and landscapes, from Sunni Muslim to Albanian Orthodox, from idyllic beach resort and rocky mountain peak to intensely cultivated field. Relics from one of the longest dictatorships in Eastern Europe rub shoulders with citrus orchards, olive groves and vineyards. Decrepit, Chinese-built factories stand next to breathtaking mosques; ornately decorated Orthodox churches face off 'Soviet Brutal' palaces of culture. Kicked around by the Balkan big boys for millennia and turned upside down by its very own Maoist Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, Albania is now tentatively embracing democracy, the outside world and a few foreign travellers. Some things won't ever change, though: the spectacular forested mountains, the warm Mediterranean sun, and the heart-rendingly blue waters of the Adriatic all endure the country's ups and downs."

PANORAMA

Because of the turmoil and disruption, many of these pages are not available currently.  Some which remain are outdated.  Many others are new.  I leave many of these up - as some are coming back online.

Virtual Albania Online

Nicely presented quick tour of Albania. District by district with pictures.

Albanian Daily News

Report of Independent Albanian Economic Tribune.  Current, sorta. Headlines at least.  For any more, you must pay and it is not worth it.

Albanian History

Origins to today, chronology of events, historical figures, population.  Decent on VERY brief history.

Albania - Land of the Eagles

Good information to 1998. Politics, international issues. Business, travel, history, culture, art, education, sport, vocabulary, city guide.  DATED.

Albanian Connections

Useful for sumary of relations between US and Serbia for control of Kosovo information and chronology.  Includes  same Albanian culture, history sites as other sites.

Human Rights Albanian Report 2001

"With the rapid repatriation of over 450,000 Kosovar refugees from northern Albania to Kosovo by 2000, Albania was once again able to turn inward and focus on internal reforms. Problems remained with regard to corruption, excessive force used by the police, trafficking of women, and controls on the media."

Heritage History of Albania

"Albanian Shqipnija or Shqiperia, officially Republic of Albania (1994 estimated population 3,374,000), 11,101 square miles (28,752 square kilometers), South Eastern Europe, on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula; bordered by Yugoslavia (North), Macedonia (East), and Greece (South). Except for the fertile Adriatic coast, Albania is mountainous, rising to 9,066 feet (2,763 meters) at Mountain Korab, on the Macedonian border. More than 90% of the population is ethnically Albanian; the Albanian language is an Indo-European tongue with two dialects. Greeks are the largest ethnic minority. The population is predominantly Muslim, with Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox minorities. Tiranë (1994 estimated population 400,000) is the capital of Albania on the Ishm River. The city, founded in the early 17th century by the Turks, was enlarged (1920) when it became the capital. Tiranë was held (1939-43) by Italy during World War II."

Brief History of Albania

From the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, through the Byzantine Empire, medieval culture, the Ottomans and the harsh nature of Turkish rule, Albanian nationalism, independent Albania, King Zog, WWII, after the war.

Jewish History of Albania

Culture

The land and the people, the language, food and drink, music."

Democratic Party of Albania

The party, people, press, feedback - very interesting.  "The Democratic Party is the first opposition party in Albania after 50 long years of communist totalitarism. Its foundation in December 1990, marked the end on the one-party state system. Although very young in age and despite the enormous difficulties and violence by the State Sigurimi (the then-communist secret police), in the first multi-party general elections in March 1991, the Democratic Party managed to obtain a considerable number of seats in the Parliament, thus becoming the first opposition parliamentary group in the Albania's history of the last 50 years." DATED.

CIA Albania Factbook 2002 - All the Statistical Data You Could Want

USAID: Albania Country Profile

Quick, current info.  Geography, population, economy.

Albania, 2001

Excellent vignettes from the CIA World Fact Book

Country Watch - Albania

The President's Office

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Excellent site, should be commended. Long but veryyyyyyy interesting statement on Kosovo and Albania's position.

Albanian Parliament

Albanian Ministry of Defense - at Least It is Current

And fairly interesting

Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Tirana

Current, every contact you would need.  But limited for anything else.

Did You Know That?

Interesting facts such as the world's only recently living saint is an Albanian - Mother Theresa.

Ada Air - Albania's Airline

Well, at least it has the current? schedules to Kosovo and Skopje.  Airline looks a little scary but it is just fine.  And it is remarkable to fly on a sunny day from Tirana to Skopje.  And look down all the way.  Can actually see Alexander the Great riding across the plaines.

Rescue of the Jews of Albania

Author insists that 100% of Albanian Jews rescued during WWII. And The Jews of Albania and their Salvation During the Holocaust. "Too little is known worldwide about the fact that only Albania in Europe protected its own Jews during the Holocaust while also offering shelter to other Jews who had escaped into Albania from Serbia, Austria, and Greece."  And more here.

The Serb-Albanian War and International Community's Miscalculation - ESP in 1998 !

By Shinasi Rama, Columbia University. Brillliant 32 page research article.  From International Journal, Spring 1998. "Policymakers and analysts that have followed closely the political process in Kosova, are puzzled and perplexed by the recent developments. For most of them, the most disturbing aspect of the Serb-Albanian War is that the Albanians have definitely switched en masse from their exemplary non-violent Ghandian behavior to the more traditional, and their opinion the more effective method of realizing their goal of gaining the independence of Kosova. The main concern of policymakers is that the longer the Serb-Albanian War lasts, the more the chances are increased that a part of the Albanians in Albania, if not even the Albanian government itself, will have no other choice but to support the Albanians in Kosova and fight on their side. The possibility that the further prolongation of the conflict in Kosova will spillover and destabilize  Macedonia appears almost certain.

Given the geostrategic position of the peninsula, and in particular, the key geopolitical position held there by the Albanians, the failure of the international community to adopt a strategic approach that might lead towards a realist and definitive solution of the Albanian problem in the former Yugoslavia, that is, at least, the acceptance of the independence of Kosova as a possible option, is bound to have grave consequences for the long term interests of the powers which have vital interests in the region. Especially true for the long term interests of the US. The emergence of KLA and the growing distrust in the intentions of the international community are indications that the emergence of a political class which will be extremely realist in its foreign policy assumptions is more likely, especially when one considers that the future Albanian politicians will come from a traditional non-Hoxhaist background. The consequence of the failure of the international community to act properly is that its ability to influence the future developments in Albania and the Balkans will be greatly hampered. With their state, or without any state, Albanians will continue to be a factor of primary importance in the region and for the security of Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

Virtual Tour - "Greater Albania"

Click on the map and visit the major cities and towns, places of interest in Albania and Kosova.  DATED.

   BULGARIA:   Mixing Sophistication and Crudity

2001. THE KING HAS RETURNED!!!!

1999.  Bulgarian history is a fascinating subject. Bulgaria had an impressive record on human rights and was moving ahead - and then disaster. But I can't help but be "hit over the head" when I am standing in Bulgaria in the midst of the near subsistence living of so many of the people. It is hard to avoid in this country no larger than Ohio. I remember the past - when in spite of the "secret police," one could enjoy the beauty and serenity of the monasteries in the mountains and the sea breezes on the beaches.  

When I was last in Bulgaria in January 1997, the country was in terrible shape.  But Bulgaria's economy appeared to be improving rapidly after the 1996-97 crisis that brought down the Socialist government of former Prime Minister Zhan Videnov and later prompted establishment of a currency stabilization board. "Direct foreign investment in Bulgaria has picked up a bit during the one-and-a-half years of rule by the Right-of-Center Alliance of Democratic Forces (ODS) government. But it is still small compared to other East European nations in transition. One major reason why was cited by former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, who visited Bulgaria and was quoted as saying: 'Those who do not know about Bulgaria think it is as unstable as Yugoslavia. But it is in fact an island of stability in the Balkans.' Bulgaria's biggest problem remains corruption. "A distraught woman waiting in line to get medical treatment said: 'There is virtually nothing you can do without knowing the right people in the right places. You cannot graduate university unless you pay, and you cannot get a tooth filled unless you pay.'"

In spite of my many visits, I wrote in 1999 that I could not summarize  that situation better than the Wall Street Journal of April 22, 97: "For all their promises, Bulgaria's Socialists (really the former Communists in drag) succeeded only in leading most Bulgarians to destitution. Macroeconomic stabilization was never achieved; inflation hit 300% by the end of last year, rendering wages and pensions almost meaningless. Other structural reforms were neglected... State-owned companies, two-thirds of which lose money, still make up some 90% of the economy. Crime and corruption flourish. Perhaps Bulgaria's dive into the economic abyss was a necessary evil. The country was never galvanized by an anti-Communist movement or the visionary leadership of a Vaclav Havel or Lech Walesa. It was only the toxic combination of soaring inflation, empty store shelves, a banking crisis and the cold shoulder from frustrated multilateral lenders that forced Bulgarians into the streets early this year and ushered an anti-Communist, pro-Western president, Petar Stoyanov, into power. Like other Eastern countries at square one of the recovery process, the lack of solid institutions, laws and political processes mean that personalities are that much more important. On that score, at least, Bulgaria seems to be in better hands than ever before. President Stoyanov is a staunch partisan of reform. That he speaks with brutal candor about the difficult reform task ahead is an encouraging sign. Mr. Kostov, who will probably become Bulgaria's next prime minister,  said, 'It is important now that we convince the world that a relapse into the past is out of the question.'"

As always, I feel sad, thoughtful about what my Bulgarian friends have shared with me for so long about the agonizing history of their country - and hopeful, in the long run.

SPECIAL PLACES

Wonderland Bulgaria - SPECIAL SERVICE

First rate Bulgarian news source. And the land, history, culture, folklore, the people. Check the archives HERE that are so important. "We have named our site Wonderland Bulgaria because in any country's past and present, in its way of life and customs, in its traditions and culture, in its character and nature, there have existed a great number of really unbelievable, wonderful, fantastic things. They all together are combined to form that marvellous kaleidoscope, underlying its unique and original charm and making it different from the rest, simultaneously throwing across time and space those visible and invisible bridges which connect it with other lands and nations. Therefore, we seek to show as much as  possible of the peculiar aroma, flavour, spirit and magic of WONDERLAND BULGARIA."

Bulgaria Online - All the News that's Fit to Print!

PANORAMA

Bulgaria on the Internet

Extensive site.  Facts, news, what's new.

Bulgaria On-Line

Bulgarian Index - publications related to Bulgaria from more than 20 newspapers, magazines, news agencies and radio stations.

Bulgarian News Agency

Current, solid collection, extensive, by month, by day. First rate articles from many sources on 400 subjects.

Bulgarian Cuisine - Great Recipes

Bulgarian Biweekly Economic Review - By Paris Financial Daily.  Excellent source, daily and biweekly.  Introductory page looks like it is in Bulgarian but the news is in English!

The Bulgarians' Land

Bulgaria is situated in Southeastern Europe, in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders on Romania to the north, Yugoslavia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria covers an area of 110 993.6 square kilometres and its population numbers about 8.5 million (1992). Its territory is about the same size US state of Ohio.

President of the Republic of Bulgaria

Important to read his articles, speeches, interviews.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Comprehensive and interesting.  Click around.

Republic of Bulgaria, Ministers, Council - Good Site

Ministry of Economics - Also Very Interesting

Embassy of The Republic of Bulgaria - W.D.C.

General history and information.  Latest news.  International relations. A Message from Ambassador Philip Dimitrov.  " My country has much to be proud of creating a successful foundation for a modern, democratic, and free society. We have emerged from our recent Communist past as a full partner in the international community, dedicating ourselves to free market principles and to strengthening political, economic and security cooperation on all levels. In recent years, Bulgaria and the United States have developed strong bilateral relations. The United States has been supportive of Bulgaria's efforts to develop a multi-party democracy, a pluralistic society and a free market economy. Bulgaria has contributed to U.S. efforts to promote stability, peace and economic integration in Southeastern Europe. Our website includes a wealth of information about current events in Bulgaria, and about issues of interest to both our nations."

Internet Resources for Bulgarian Studies

Very dated but still a decent array of information and analysis and sites.  Country Overview, Online News, State & Politics, Foreign Affairs, Law, Economy, History, Culture, Society, Ethnic Issues, Religion, Environment Human Rights, Media, Science & Education, Geography, Travel.  Art, literature, trade and much more.  From the Slavic Studies Web.

The Threshold of History - Bulgaria in the Last 1000 Years

Very nice extensive analysis.

Heritage History of Bulgaria

Good tight summary.  "Bulgaria, officially Republic of Bulgaria (1994 estimated population 8,800,000), 42,823 square miles (110,912 square kilometers), South Eastern Europe, on the Eastern Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by the Black Sea (East), Romania (North), Macedonia and Yugoslavia (West), Greece (South), and European Turkey (South East). Central Bulgaria is traversed from east to west by the Balkan Mountains; the Rhodope range, with the country's highest peak, Musala Mountain (9,592 ft/2,923 m) is in the southwest. The principal river is the Danube. The population consists chiefly of Bulgars (86%) and Turks (9%). The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the predominant religion, but most Turks and some ethnic Bulgarians are Muslims. Bulgarian is the official language."

Internet Resources on Bulgaria with emphasis on politics and elections

The Most Distinguished Bulgarian Rulers

The People of Bulgaria

"Although Bulgaria, like most countires in the world, is characterized by a large ethnic and religious variety, the major portion of its population are  Slavonic-speaking Bulgarians - 86 per cent."

Salvation of Bulgarian Jewry During WWII

Use with care.   Substantive site with excerpts from documents and histories. Thesis is that despite an alliance with Germans, Bulgarians and King Boris resisted Nazis Jewish orders and saved 50,000 Jews. But seems to ignore the destruction of Jews in Bulgarian-held areas. Other sites on this subject include Bulgarian Conspiracy to Rescue Jews and Symposium, "Who Saved the Jews?"

The Jews of Bulgaria:  Splendid Site !

Jewish History of Bulgaria

Excellent comprehensive analysis from the ancient world through WWII, Holocaust, communism to today.

Bulgarians on Board the Titanic

Bulgaria, Human Rights Report 2001

"Abuses against Roma and restrictions on Islamic practitioners, and trade in arms in violation of a U.N. embargo offset improvement in other fields in Bulgaria, notably in freedom of expression. Roma were victims of police brutality and violent attacks by private citizens who acted with impunity."

POLITICAL DEBACLE, RECOVERY, CHALLENGE,  DESPERATION

This section pinpoints the desperate times of Bulgaria almost five  years ago.  The December 96-January 97 Uproar, the April 97 Election, and Impact. All of the sites and quotes in this chapter, highlighted in navy blue are KAPUT!  I am leaving them up because on a close reading, it became clear that together they portray a stunning picture of the trials and deprivation of the Bulgarian humans in their movement from totalitarianism, Soviet style to freedom with its enormous costs and challenges. Readers, students can decide how much different Bulgaria is today from that time.
The December 96-January 97 Uproar
Drums and Whistles Mark Bulgarian Protest - CSM, Jan. 17, 97

"Every day at 4 o'clock, the streets of this capital echo with the sound of drums, rattles, and whistles as tens of thousands of people begin their new afternoon routine: collect in front of the presidency building, march en masse to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and chant for the overthrow of the government. Taking their cue from neighboring Serbia, people in cities across Bulgaria have been taking to the streets every day for nearly two weeks to express outrage against their political leaders - former Communists who have refused to implement key economic reforms. 'The protests are just a symptom of the profound political, economic, and social crisis in the country," says Ognian Avramov, an adviser to outgoing President Zhelyu Zhelev."

Bulgaria:  A Nation in Revolt - RFERL, Jan. 13, 97

"Like many of their former comrades in Hungary, Poland and even Romania, they wanted a return to the safety and predictability of communism: cheap food, cheap housing and a comprehensive network of health services provided more or less free by the state.... But faced with the task of fitting Bulgaria into a new mold, the victorious Socialist Party prevaricated. Restructuring and privatization efforts were more or less halted, as were currency and economic measures aimed at stabilization. Even agreement on a policy towards NATO and European Union expansion was made impossible by suggestions that Bulgaria might be better off orientating itself towards Russia."

Bulgaria's Fresh Start - WSJ, April 22, 1997

"On Saturday, Bulgarian voters laid the blame for their economic misery right where it belongs: at the feet of the Socialist Party. The winner of the weekend parliamentary elections, Ivan Kostov's 15-party United Democratic Forces, is expected to emerge with 56% of the total vote. That's enough to claim some 136 seats in the 240-seat Parliament... The new government inherits a mess...Cleaning up Bulgaria's economic Chernobyl will mean, at the least, moving against a large number of corrupt interests who have profited by plundering state assets and tapping into old Communist connections. They will want to thwart or hijack the privatization process.To their great credit, Bulgarians have placed their confidence in a group of political leaders who, for the first time, made no promises of quick fixes or instant wealth and security."

New Bulgarian Leaders Face Tough Reforms - France Presse, April 20

"Anger over an economy in which 2.5 million people must make do on pensions of 17 dollars a month exploded into a series of street demonstrations that finally forced the socialists to agree to early elections. But the new ruling alliance, if it wishes to succeed, will have to persuade Bulgarians to accept new sacrifices. And, in a country with few illusions where 32 percent of the population wants to emigrate abroad, this is likely to be no easy task."

New Bulgarian President - Interview with Radio Free Europe, February, 97

"Ladies and gentlemen, I come from a country which, unfortunately, is experiencing a severe economic crisis, which is even suffering from a bread shortage. I come from a country in which for 45 years there was a shortage of freedom, a shortage of freedom of speech. All this should have turned us into pessimists...But I believe Bulgaria will manage to overcome its greatest historical challenge -- to join the European family. Culturally and geographically, Bulgaria is part of Europe. Bulgaria will become a part of Europe spiritually and economically as well. I firmly believe in that."

The Desperateness of Life, 96-98
Bulgarians Tired of Leading a Dog's Life

"The reference to stray dogs is more than an image. Some 30,000 of the mangy creatures prowl the streets and often bite hapless Sofians who, like them, are scavenging through the dustbins for a morsel to eat. France has just donated 2,500 anti-rabies vaccines to Sofia hospitals which face an increasing number of patients needing treatment for dog bites.
Since March last year, the price of goods has rocketed by 2,000 percent... Three out of four Bulgarians live in economic hardship while a further 16 percent live below the poverty line." "With my pension, I can barely feed myself. I buy three large loaves a week and never eat meat," Slavcho Georgyev, 75, stated. "Like most of the country's 2.5 million pensioners who account for nearly a quarter of the Bulgarian population, Georgyev has to make do with some 26,000 lev (some 17 dollars) a month. The sum is derisory in a country where electricity bills have soared 400 percent since the start of the year, while heating has increased by 150 percent and the price of petrol by 480 percent."
The public health sector is also near collapse. "We don't have enough medicines to save patient's lives. We are short of antibiotics and clotting agents." "A woman who is about to give birth has to take surgical gloves, sewing thread, nappies and medicines to hospital with her," a nurse said. "The risk of infection is enormous. It's a nightmare," she added. Many old people cannot afford to buy medicines and, hardly surprisingly, Bulgaria's doctors' union says the mortality rate is escalating. Conversely, the nation's birthrate is the lowest in Europe. But some 250,000 orphans live in appalling conditions. Sixty percent of orphanages have virtually no heating and children also suffer from malnutrition. At one centre for handicapped children four children starved to death recently. In this context of widespread misery, one person attempts to commit suicide every 40 minutes in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Election Meaningless for Ghetto Dwellers - Reuters, April 17, 97

"The Gypsies and ethnic Turks who live in the notorious Stolipinovo ghetto in Bulgaria's second city hold out little hope of change.  About 50,000 Gypsies and ethnic Bulgarian Turks, some crammed 20 to a room, live in run-downapartment blocks in the Stolipinovo quarter of Plovdiv. The chairman of Bulgaria's Roma foundation said most Stolipinovo inhabitants were unemployed and relied on welfare benefits, which had not been paid for months. ..The Gypsies, nomadic until the 1960s when the communist government began a campaign of assimilation, severely curbing their religious and cultural traditions and forcing them to settle in Soviet-style collective farms or in housing projects. More then 70 percent are believed to be jobless and the same number are thought to be illiterate. Some Gypsies scratch a living by collecting waste paper and bottles for recycling."

89% of the Bulgarian People are Facing Poverty - MPA, April 6, 97
UN Assessment Finds Bulgaria on the Brink of Humanitarian Disaster

Embassy cable from Sofia, March, 97.  

RULERS OF BULGARIA

Rulers of Bulgaria - Full list with Biographies

Tsar Boris III

Prince Alexander I

Tsar Ferdinand

Georgi Dimitrov

Alexander Stamboliyski

Todor Zhivkov

Zhelyu Zhelev

Simon the Second:  King of Bulgaria - His personal site.

       CROATIA:  The Country Without Roofs

2001.  THE NEW GOVERNMENT AND PEACE

1998.  The Country That Broke the Stalemate.  Ambivalence describes the reaction and views of most Non-Serbs to Croatia. One fact, however, seems ignored. For better or for worse, it was the Croatians and their amazing military campaign of Summer 95 that broke the stalemate, regained the territory, scared the Serbs, and made the Dayton Accord possible. What that says in reality remains to be seen. Does Croatia bear some responsibility for the destruction in Bosnia? Yes.  Was it also responsible for making a brokered peace for Bosnia possible?  Yes.

From the ashes of former Yugoslavia, the independent Croatian state arose, the fulfillment, in the words of President Tudjman, of the Croats' "thousand-year-old dream of independence."  Yet few countries in Europe have been born amid such bitter controversy and bloodshed.  The savage war left about one-third of Croatia in ruins and resulted in the flight of a quarter of a million of its Serbian minority.  Croatia's unique position on the crossroads of Europe - between Eastern and Western Christendom, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans and betwee the old Habsburg and Ottoman empires - has clearly been both a curse and a blessing, inviting the attention of larger and more powerful neighbors.  Its history speaks of vigorous turbulence and drama.
For years after an initial trip in the early Sixties, I could not return to Croatia, haunted with what I knew (and what few wrote about) of the terrible abuse of the Ustashe Nationalists against the Jewish, Serbian, Gypsy citizens in their midst with a ferocity and barbarism that outstripped the Nazis.  I could not go back to Zagreb and gaze at the Cathedral.  I could not go back to Jasenovic and shudder at the pictures of the hacked up bodies in my mind.  I could return over and over again to all the Killing Centers of the Nazi regime, but I could not come back here.  I did not know then what I know now of the Serbian participation in freeing its space of its Jewish and Croatian citizens with a speed and precision that was record-setting.

A very few of us knew without exception that all these countries would emerge as free nations some day.  We knew about the need to be free that we observed in all our special time spent in those countries.  We also knew that when that happened, we would be able to write the history of the Final Solution and Holocaust in the countries that eluded our analysis. And now it is happening.

I did not return, however, because of the Final Solution but because of the War.  Early on, I realized that my "friends" in Serbia were fabricating the worst kind of propaganda and the Western nations believed it and the Serbs began to believe it.  In spite of all my antipathy  toward Croatia, it did not take a rocket scientist to realize that the Ustashe was not alive and well and that the problems erupting were not the same.  It did not take a rocket scientist to realize that stark Serbian aggression and Serbian insistence to realize its centuries-old insistence of Greater Serbia was not a Civil War.  And so I spoke out across the country in panels and speeches and TV - and faced my Serbian friends' charges of "traitor."

And of course, my knowledge required that I go to the War, into Croatia and the Krajina and Bosnia and see, discover what it meant to be in war zones, jumping over land minds, feeling the shock waves of blasts.  And respond to the refugees, the orphans, and the terrible aggression of the Serbs.  I returned to a country in which I believed its nationalist portion had "sinned" during WWII.  And watched its humans being treated with such disdain by the Serbian majority that had considered Croats almost non-citizens since the beginning of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.  And so I jumped in to help - just a little.  And I learned.  
I saw Tudjman once and spent time with his Ministers. He is a very strange fellow - an enigma to me.  But the Croatians have become humans to me and I thank my many Croatian friends.  I also now have had the opportunity to spend time in all parts of Croatia.  The wonderful islands, the not-so wonderful beaches.  I have driven my car along the border, through hundreds, it seems, of bombed out villages where not one structure is without bomb or bullet holes.  I think of Croatia in those areas as towns and villages WITHOUT ROOFS.  THERE ARE NO ROOFS ANYWHERE.  NO ROOFS.

SPECIAL PLACES

Croatian Home Page - THE PREMIER CROATIAN SITE I

Tied to Croatia Net. Country of a thousand islands. Culture, history, independent news, politics, tourism.  Kornati National Park. 10 pages on the Croatian islands. Brief overview of Croatia's history, from its early days to present.   Political system, executive branch, legislature, judicial system, science, music, sport.   War damage, economic problems, the future prospects.   Armed services of Croatia, recent events.   Relations with many of Croatia's neighbors, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, agreements.  Essays, photos, articles, poetry, art.

Croatia Net - THE PREMIER CROATIAN SITE II

Start here.

COUNTRY, BUSINESS

Croatian Web Central

Extensive resources on Croatia, some dated.  Information on many subjects, from Croatian wines to Croatian literature.   Important on Dalmatia. "The fairy tale about Dalmatia can begin at any place and any time - in a boat on the sea, under the olive tree in a valley, in a vineyard on the slope of the hill, on the city square under the church tower, in the morning when the sun comes out and everything is silvery, at dusk when moon appears and everything is golden, at night when everything turns to stars, during daytime when everything comes to life, with the bustle of its busy people."

Economic Overview

"Before the current war, the republic of Croatia, after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and most industrialized area of the former Yugoslavia, with a per capita output about one third above the Yugoslav average. Croatia was especially strong in tourism, with its Dalmatian coast representing the most important Yugoslav attraction for foreign visitors. The war, including the seizure by Croatian Serb separatists of approximately one third of Croatia's territory, including the road and  rail links to coastal tourist sites, had a devastating effect on the Croatian economy."

Solta

"Situated, approximately, 9 nautical miles from the city of Split, in-between the islands of Brac and V. Drvenik, you'll find "an oasis of untouched natural beauty," the Dalmatian island of Solta.

The Tourism Extravaganza from Croatia.Net

Stop here before you take your trip.  Full range of politics, history, current issues.

Welcome to Croatia

Visit all cities and major towns by clicking on map.  Full-scale Croatian Homepage.  The range of information from history to politics to art and culture. All the political parties. "The Croatian political system is democratic and based on a respect for human rights, law, national equality, social justice and multiple political parties."

Welcome to Slavonski Brod - Lovely Tourist/History Site

Zagreb - The Capital of Croatia

Zagreb is more enticing and complex than portrayed here.

NEWS, LINKS, MAPS

Best Maps of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Wonderful Net access. Just click on any place from hundreds of listings, and presto, you are there. Keep on top when you are studying this issue. Once there, you can move with an arrow anywhere.

Croatian Links

Could be called "The Official White & Yellow Pages of Croatian Internet Community."  Currently contains over 6,000 links to various Croatian web sites and e-mail addresses." Compared to several other nations, the Croats have been unusually busy creating new Internet sites.

Croatia Net

History, politics, government, economy, international relations.

Current News

And the range of News Available.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Croatian History

Full summary, from a common perspective.

Croatia Net History - Well Presented and Interesting

Croatian Language: Basics - Learn the basic language here

Croatian Cuisine - Yummers!

Recipes for lamb soup, potato soup, Istrian cannelloni, calamaries with potatoes, carp slavonian style, Dalmatian fritters.

Croatia:  Myth and Reality

Online essays on attacks on Croatia that author says are untrue.  Such as the following. A Croatian Ustase terrorist assassinated King Alexander ("Reality: King Alexander Karageorgevic was assassinated by a Macedonian named Vlada Gheorghieff, a member of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization. Gheorghieff did not flee to the Vatican. He was attacked on the spot by French police and died the evening of the assassination.");
All Croatians were Fascists during WWII and all Serbs were pro-allied ("Reality: Both Croatia and Serbia had pro-Axis governments during World War II. All of the nations of Yugoslavia had elements which supported the Axis and all had elements that were anti-Axis during the War. However, it was the Croatian dominated Partisans, led by the Croatian Josip Broz Tito which formed the only true anti-Fascist fighting force in Yugoslavia and the most formidable Allied force in occupied Europe during World War II"); the basket of human eyeballs; two million Serbs died ("Myth: Between 500,000 and 2,000,000 Serbs were murdered by the Croatian government during World War II.  Reality: The exact number of war victims in Yugoslavia during World War II may never be known due to fifty years of intentional disinformation by the Yugoslavian and Serbian governments, Serbian exile groups, and others. However, it is likely that approximately one million people of all nationalities died of war-related causes in all of Yugoslavia during World War II and that as many as 125,000 Serbs died of war-related causes in Croatia during the War.

The question of war losses during World War II represents the most divisive, heated and emotional issue among all of the nationalities of the former Yugoslavia during the post-War period").; borders were drawn to benefit Croatia ("MYTH: The Serbian-Croatian border was drawn up secretly by Tito, a Croatian, in 1943 benefiting Croatia at the expense of Serbia. REALITY: Croatia's border with Serbia is essentially the same as in 1848 and 1918 with the exception of those lands taken from Croatia and given to Serbia and Montenegro under both Yugoslav regimes. This mythology is a recent creation of the Serbian government and has been given wide circulation by Serbian apologists"). ; Serbs have no rights in Croatia; Croatian coat of arms is a Fascist symbol. "Serbia chose Communism, expansion, war, and the continued myth of Yugoslavia. The Serbian leadership chose to launch an all-out war of aggression against her neighbors to force them to accept the Myth. When the entire free world finally recognized that Yugoslavia was indeed a myth, Serbia simply recreated it with the stroke of a pen backed by a few thousand tanks. "

Bleiberg Tragedy

Rich extensive page on an unfortunate "happening" from one strong point of view.  "May of 1945 was one of the most tragic months in the entire Croatian history.  A huge disarmed Croatian Army was handed over to Tito by the British Command. The henchmen of Tito did not limit their slaughterhouse tactics to the members of the Croatian Army or its civilian followers. As soon as Tito was in power, he set up concentration and slave labor camps throughout the country. Hundreds of thousands of citizens of all ages, sexes and from every walk of life were imprisoned, tortured, and finally liquidated. Croatia became an immense graveyard - her ravines, forests, and rivers all crowded with corpses. Few of these people were "war criminals," that is, individuals who themselves had killed Communists.

The British military authorities bear a moral responsibility. The British were obligated by the Geneva Convention to accept the Croatian surrender and to give the retreating Croat Army and civilian population sanctuary to protect them from Partisan vengeance. Although the American authorities do not bear the same degree of responsibility for Tito's  policy of genocide by Serbian-led and staffed forces, nevertheless American recognition and support of Tito from 1942 to 1945 vied with the assistance offered this usurper by that credulous politician, Winston Churchill. This dual support vitally helped the establishment of Communism in Croatia. And the same support has continued to this day through the truly massive outpourings of the dollars of the American taxpayer!'"
 And then from the LA Times, "Yugoslav Killing Fields: A Grisly Secret Comes Out, November 4, 1990 * Atrocity: Communists executed thousands after the war. Those who revealed it hope the message is heard.

Overview of History and Culture - Range of information

GOVERNMENT, POLITICS, WAR, PEACE

Government of the Republic of Croatia - Official Page

Republic of Croatia - Office of the President

President Stjepan Mesic .  Read his speeches and actions.  What WAS even more interesting is what WAS on the site.  Tudjman's biography and  his speeches in English.  For example, in January 1998, his interesting interpretation of events:
"Throughout the period since its establishment Croatia has faced predominantly biased misconceptions and misunderstandings. To all the creators and guardians of the Versailles order it was almost the chief culprit for the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, and it even achieved its State and its independence against their will. Subsequently, contrary to many predictions, it did not yield to aggression, but it has emerged victorious from many  political-diplomatic and military battles, it has liberated its formerly occupied areas, and proved to be one of the key factors in the solution of the Bosnian crisis. Based on the stability of its sociopolitical and economic order, and on the maturity of its policy, Croatia has clearly defined its identity and Euro-Atlantic vocation as a Central European and Mediterranean country, while opposing each and every Balkan regionalism. It is only by virtue of its successes, and by its constructive readiness to cooperation with international factors in the  resolution of the war crisis in the former Yugoslavia, and currently in Bosnia, that Croatia has gradually overcome all vicissitudes and misunderstandings - until the world grasped and accepted its key role in the creation of peace and a new international order in this seismic region. With our vigorous democratic order and stable economic system, and strengthened international position, we now look to a new period of internal development and gradual integration into the Western economic and security system. Many challenges await us on that road, and continued obstacles, stemming not only from old understandings and from the abovementioned frustrated views, but also from special interests. Therefore, we can certainly expect that we shall continue to be faced with political and economic efforts of a shorter and longer duration, detrimental to our country."

Politics - Reach Any Government, Political Person, Group

And also here.

International Relations - DATED

THE NASTY BUSINESS ABOUT THE JEWS AND JASENOVIC AND ANTISEMITISM IN WWII

The Effort to Turn the Finger on Serbia With Some Justification - and the Effort to Reduce the Effect of the Ustashi.    Fact:  During WWII, the Ustashe Nationalists committed dreadful crimes and slaughtered thousands and thousands of people.  Now we know that the Serbian Nationalists also participated in their brand of Final Solutions.  (Alongside almost all the other nations of Europe). The following writers provide us with the information on the Serbian participation, which is slowly coming to the fore.  Much of it is factual.  But much of it was written to politically counteract the Serbian propaganda that the Ustashe was in power again.  The articles are important - but of course must be read cautiously. Yet the issues must be considered.  I have been to Jasenovic recently and what is written here is not exactly accurate in a descriptive way.  The full range of issues is treated in Part Two of this Eastern Europe Internet Book - on the Holocaust in Croatia. Return to the Index and "click." 

Anti-Semitism in Serbia in WWII - SITE DOWN

"Even today Serbia carries a halo of a heroic small martyr-country which had supposedly made a great contribution in the battle and for the victory of the anti-Hitler coalition as one of the members of that coalition. This is completely untrue. Serbia was not one of the miserable occupied countries exposed to the German terror. During the whole war, Serbia was the most trustworthy ally of the Third Reich on the territory of Europe under the Nazi domination. Unlike in the other lands of former Yugoslavia there was no organized, and even less widespread, armed anti-Hitler movements in Serbia.  Two months ago it was reported in an Israeli newspaper that "one member of the Serbian parliament accused the Jews of stabbing Serbia in the back with a knife."

"It seems that a newspaperman from "Borba" was right when he concluded his article with the following words: 'The deceptions by propaganda about the lack of antisemitism in Serbia do not line up with reality: Antisemitism has always existed in Serbia and history continues with its unbroken continuity. The same as the statements from some Serbian intellectuals that only 'propagandistic lies claim that Serbs liquidated Jews during the Second World War.'  The above is stated by Serb Dr. Ljubo Tadic, professor on the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, and by professor Dr. Andrija Gamsa of the Faculty of Law, who is sadly - a Serbian Jew."

Atlas of the Ustasha Genocide - Published in Belgrade, 1993

Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac and Saving the Jews in Croatia during WWII

Important article based in part on fantasy.  That Israel would make Stepinac a Righteous Gentile is as far from reality as one can get.  Some Croatians saved Jews, but no one will yet give Stepinac an award for doing so. But perhaps . . .

Croat vs. Serb Treatment of Jews in WWII - Serbs exploiting Jewish Sensitivity.

Holocaust History Misappropriated

by Philip J. Cohen, Midstream: MIDSTREAM: A Monthly Jewish Review November 1992. Important article.  NO LONGER AVAILABLE ON LINE
"Belgrade has promoted the myth of Serbian kinship with the Jews as fellow victims of Nazi oppression, while concealing the true extent of Serbian collaboration with the Nazis. It is ironic that Serbia is now seeking Jewish support for a war in which both the idealogy and methodology so tragically echo nazism. The European Community, the Helsinki Commission, the United Nations, and the US have all condemned Serbia as the aggressor. Western diplomats have characterized the current Serbian regime as "a lying, terrorist criminal organization." Serbia, however, claims to be the victim and campaigns for Jewish sympathy and support, exploiting the powerful symbolism of the Holocaust. Serbia's professed solicitude for the Jewish people must be reexamined."

Jasenovac: The Truth About the Lies of Dr.Bulajic

One man's objection to the current material on Jasenovac.  Losses Established on Wrong Basis.  Manipulation.  Accusations of Bulajic and Yugoslavia Against Croatia on the Internet. Author writes: "Dr. Bulajic, a Yugoslav communist diplomat, now Director of the Museum of Victims of  Genocide in Belgrade, became known for his activities in proving that enormous human losses occurred in Jasenovac, especially after the publication of my book "Population Losses of Yugoslavia in the World War II" in the edition of the Yugoslav Society of Victimology in 1989."

The Truth About Memorial Center Jasenovac - A Different View

Facts About Civil Wars in Ex-Yugoslavia

Really nasty, distorted non-factual material, but reflective of a stream of stuff that came out during the Bosnian Crisis. "Truth is the first casualty of any war. One can hardly find more illustrative example of this fact than the case of civil wars in ex-Yugoslavia. In trying to find an excuse to a ruthless military occupation of strategically important Balkan Peninsula the bottomless pit of Western "morality" showed its face. Surpassing any Goebbelsian dream relentless propaganda left no stone unturned.   Is there any truth that subservient Western media did not distort? Any-one in the West concerned about democracy should take note."

  CZECH REPUBLIC:   Havel's Open Society

 Smaller than South Carolina, the Czech Republic is served well by some of its past traditions - which one can pursue on this site. It struggles like the others, however, with both reconciliation with the past and building foundations for an open future. Prague is truly the "city of a thousand spires," rich in history and culture. It is well on the way to becoming integrated into the Western Europe mainstream - from which it believes it came.  Why is it succeeding when so many other countries are facing poverty and disruption?  Theories abound.  Perhaps its history of "nearness" to Western Europe and its previous experience (however short) with democracy, plus its economic resources, special leadership, and its central geographic location may assist ponderers in their conclusions.  People do suffer in the Czech Republic.  The environmental problems are staggering.  Just drive north from Prague to Germany and see what I mean. It has ethnic minority difficulties.  The economy needs strengthening.  But optimism is warranted.
I suppose there are few places I have not been in this intriguing country.  But many many years ago in 1965, I started walking through Terezin or Theresianstadt as the Nazis called it - as I have done several times since. I have written extensively about it.  It is the one place I would always go back to.

"Czechoslovakia's "Velvet Revolution" in November 1989 was probably the most unequivocably positive of eastern Europe's anti-Communist upheavals, as the Czechs and Slovaks shrugged off 41 years of Communist rule without a shot being fired. But the euphoria and unity of those first few months evaporated more quickly than anyone could have imagined. Just three years on, the country split into two separate states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czechs - always the most urbane, agnostic and liberal of the Slav nations - have fared well, enjoying much longer periods of political and economic stability, and attracting more Western investment than their former eastern bloc rivals."

SPECIAL PLACES

Czech Happenings

Superior news site. Daily reports from the Republic, press surveys, links. Also covers Slovakia.

Czech Information Center

"Internet's premier Czech information resource for everybody." Updated daily.

PANORAMA

About the Czech Republic

City Net: The Czech Republic
Czech Tourist Pages

The big one!  It has it all - including history, articles, culture.

Destination:  Czech Republic - Lonely Planet

Facts, environment, history, travel, economy, culture, where to go.

World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic

THE JEWS IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Prague Jewish Museum's 90th Birthday
Theresienstadt - Terezin - the Nazi Concentration Camp
A Visit to Terezin

GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, NEWS, HISTORY

CTK Archives

Excellent articles on the widest range of major issues in the critcal years from 1996, 1997.

Czech Republic and the European Union

"Comprehensive information on the efforts that the Czech Republic puts into its preparation for EU membership, as well as on the progress of the accession negotiations."  From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Site. And then the focused material on the 2002 Delegation of the European Commission to the Czech Republic.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Extensive site covering the range of relations of the Czech Republic, from joining NATO to reimbursement of Holocaust victims.

The Prague Spring Anniversary

"Thirty years after Soviet tanks rolled into Prague to crush the Czechoslovak experiment in "socialism with a human face", there is still ambivalence about the meaning of the event.   As ministers lay commemorative wreaths at the Czech radio building - which has come to be a symbol of resistance - Czechs at either end of the political spectrum disagree about the value of the 1968 reforms."  Helpful summary.  And then the excellent capsule by Radio Prague.

The 8 in Czech History - Site Gone

But, Intriguing article. "It is said that, in the twentieth century, years ending in the number eight have been critical for the Czech lands. But "eights" marking great changes have also cropped up in earlier centuries. In 1348, Emperor and King Charles IV founded a university in Prague - today's Charles University. In May 1618 Protestant nobles ejected the imperial governors from a window of Prague Castle, and that touched off the rebellion of the Estates that ended with the definitive subjection of the Czech lands to the Habsburgs and their incorporation in the Austrian monarchy. In the unsettled year of 1848, when unrest swept across Europe, the people of Prague too rose up in revolt, but their defeat led to the Austrian government's implementing an even more repressive regime. In 1878 the Czechoslavonic Social Democratic Party came into existence in Prague - the first party of the working class in the Czech lands. In the twentieth century "eights" have been true milestones in the development of Czechoslovakia."  And then 1938 and 1948 and 1968 and 1988!

The Fortification at Dobrosov

Good history.  " The concrete structures stretching out in long lines along the border are a reminder of the tragic days of September 1938, and will continue to speak to future generations of the efforts and the abilities of the nation, as well as of its bravery and commitment to self-defence, which in the end came to naught."

Heritage History of the Czech Republic

"Czech Republic (1994 estimated population 10,408,000), 30,443 square miles (78,847 square kilometers), central Europe; bordered by Poland (North), Germany (North and West), Austria (South), and Slovakia (East). The republic comprises the traditional Czech lands of Bohemia and Moravia and Czech Silesia. The two main geographic regions are the Bohemian plateau (West) and the Moravian lowland (East). The Sudetes Mountains in the north separate Moravia from Czech Silesia. The country is landlocked, and the chief rivers-the Elbe, Vltava (Moldau), and Oder-are economically important. The population is largely Slavic, consisting chiefly of Czechs (81%) and Moravians (13%). Roman Catholicism is the largest religion, but there are sizable Protestant (notably Hussite) groups. Czech is the official language."

Jewish History of Czechoslovakia - Important Material

Parliament of the Czech Republic

Committees, documents, actions, members.

Prague Post Online

Good daily online newspaper. Breaking news, excellent articles, archives.

SUDETEN GERMANS & CZECH-GERMAN RELATIONS

Organized Sudeten Deportations Began 51 Years Ago
The Czech-German Mutual Declaration
Profile of the Sudeten German Problem
Czechs as Victims of Expulsions
Profile of the Benes Decrees

LIFE AND LIVING

Eleanor's Kitchen - Great Czech Web Recipes

Live Chat

Well organized Chat Room in the Czech Republic.  Join it.

ISSUES

Education to Prevent a Race War - SITE DOWN

"About two hundred thousand of the ten million inhabitants of the Czech Republic are Romanies. Only about a quarter of them are employed. The others live on the dole or receive other forms of social welfare. The high rate of unemployment among Romanies and their different life style have led to animosity on the part of the white majority: long-term sociological research has registered three-quarters of the population as feeling aversion towards Romanies. This situation cannot be changed by increased efforts to promote toleration on the side of the white majority alone. Romany leaders agree that the Romanies themselves must take the initiative and start working on their integration into the larger society. One way to do this is through education."

National Minorities in the Czech Republic

Background and current efforts on a long-term and sensitive challenge.

  GERMANY:    What Happened to the DDR?

To focus on the former East Germany (the DDR) through the Internet has major limitations. Germany has hundreds of Web sites and many give openings to the present in the DDR. The past remains somewhat Web elusive and must be book-and article-focused. How remarkable it was to stand in Berlin as the Wall came down.  I had been in East Germany many times in the Sixties and Seventies doing research on the concentration camps, visiting all the East German camps (always accompanied by a member of the Stashi from morning to night).  I paid the Security Office to be accompanied and was thus able to go to all those camps.  Driving into East Germany from the North,  I spent many nights in East Berlin and twice crossed over to West Berlin.  The Wall and the terrible difference between the two never left my mind.  But when the Wall came down, I spent one day riding back and forth, back and forth on the SBahn and UBahn - and then walking across and over and across and over.  It truly blew my mind.  But I and my students had expected what happened and could not understand why the media and the pundits were so adamant that it would not happen.
I also knew four things:  1) that integration would be much more complex, difficult, and long-time in completion than Kohl admitted; 2) that in the process, my East German friends and colleagues would suffer much - perhaps more than they knew; 3) that my West German friends after the euphoria subsided would grumble and moan about the surtax all would pay to support the integration, and whisper about their "scruffy" brethren; and 4) that the property restitution issue would be almost impossible to resolve in this lifetime.  But the sustaining facts are these:  the East Germans are improving, the West Germans did pay and continue to pay, the process has proceeded, and the full integration will occur.  That reality seems to me to represent one of the major miracles of 20th Century Europe.

SPECIAL PLACES

German leadership wanted to see Berlin as the capital of this new, united Europe. And it has happened! And the German political leadership has been pushing very hard for currency union. The Newsweek Bureau Chief remarked in April, 1998: "It has to do with the German past as much as it does with the German future. The leadership of Germany believes that it has to constantly prove to the rest of Europe that we're not the old Germans. We will never be dangerous to the continent again. And, as a result of that, they say they've got to keep integrating Europe further and further. This whole business of the past creeping up on you all the time is present everywhere in Germany. You've got to credit the West Germans. They did do a lot to acknowledge the past. Children do study the Holocaust and the history of WWII. Certainly, in East Germany, none of this happened because the Communists in East Germany said we were Communists, therefore, we were the good Germans; we were the victims. And the Austrians claimed they were victims too. But the West Germans, at least, acknowledged it. But it's still a very sort of tortured thing."

Germany Information -- German Embassy/German Information Center - SPECIAL SITE

This Week in Germany. Very helpful, factual site. Current news and important back issues. History, culture, the works!

The German 1848 Revolution - 150 Years - and the German-American Dimension: A VERY SPECIAL HISTORICAL SITE

Major symposium. Links to dozens of articles and sites.

Primary Documents: Germany - SPECIAL DOCUMENTS

Important primary documents from the end of the classical world through the 20th Century. Includes Poland statements-1939, WWI, tripartite agreements of Axis powers, Wannsee Protokol, Holocaust, Nazi Era, surrender documents, East Germany. Most in translation.

PANORAMA

Castle Schoebrunn

"Former home to the Habsburg Dynasty, one of the important castles in the German speaking countries. It was here Mozart gave his first concert in 1762. Hundred years later the castle was home to Emperor Franz Josef I and Empress Elisabeth." Tour the castles rooms and gardens.

Deutsche Welle

Comprehensive information on Germany's people, constitution, history, political system. Special sections on politics, business, science and culture.

Germany Alert - Excellent News and Analysis Current Site

The German Way and More

Books, education, religion, people, schools, travel, links to the German Zone of Austria, Germany, Switzerland . Wealth of information, including page of teaching resources. Read about the Autobahn, German beer, TV, banking, movies. Many pages on contemporary Germany.

The Mighty Deutsche Bundesbank

Preussen Lebt Noch!- The Prussia Page

A few pictures and sources, particularly on Pomerania.  Site dedicated to "Prussia's Past and Future."

Page of German Politics

Central, connects to all the parliaments, government.

The Trabi

"The Trabant, affectionally called "Trabi," was one of only two car models available in former East Germany. Typically one ordered the car at age 18 (upon getting a driver's lisence) and then held on to the precious order confirmation for more then ten years before one could call a car ones own. With Germany's reunification the Trabbi became a nostalgic collector's item. Check out the original brochures advertising the car."  "This car, which originally wasn't destined to be a car, created one of the biggest mistakes in automobile history."

GERMAN HISTORY, THEN - THEN THE MARSHALL PLAN

Unity, Justice and Freedom: The German Revolution of 1848-49

"The dream of German unity had been dreamt before. Long before the post-World War II division of Europe and long before 'silent revolutions' in Eastern Europe ended that division, there was another time when Germans took to the streets to demand freedom and unity and for a few months seemed to achieve their goal. This month in today's free and united Germany, its citizens recall and honor those revolutionaries of 1848. And by the same token, they reflect on how their history might have been changed if the revolution of 1848 had achieved its aims.

Germany before 1848 was fragmented and retained much of the feudal system. It was a place of many large and small principalities, many of them ruled by absolute sovereigns; it seethed with territorial rivalries and conflicting interests. Its people were the aristocracy and the downtrodden masses of peasants and land workers, as well as tradesmen, craftsmen and small shop owners.

The revolution of 1848/49 remains a pivotal moment in German history and it is far from forgotten."

The German Revolutions of 1848 - SITE KAPUT

Important article. "The long-term consequences of the failed revolution lasted well into this century. The 1848 revolution represented a great opportunity to adapt the political power structure to the changed economic realities. But it was not to be. The Prussian bourgeoisie put up one more challenge to the Junker rule in the Constitutional Conflict from 1862-66. But it was defeated once again, this time by Otto von Bismarck, chief minister in Prussia since 1862. And when this same man proclaimed William I German Emperor on January 18, 1871, the path was set for Prussia-Germany to develop economically into the most advanced country in Europe which was governed by a pre-industrial, agrarian, and noble elite that was painfully aware that time was not on its side."  

1848 Revolution:  A German Perspective

Vital article. "Looking back at these events, one might wonder how much different those 150 years of German history might have been if the German Revolution had been more--well, revolutionary. Can the Forty-Eighters really be accused of failing because they did not resort to more radical methods? What if they had proclaimed a republic and incited followers to overthrow their monarchs following the French example of 1789? Would this have resulted in similar bloodshed and turmoil, or might a democratic United State of Germany have evolved? What remains is the memory of the many honorable citizens who espoused noble ideas in the best of German traditions even though, through no fault of their own, they lacked the political skill to implement them."

The German Forty-Eighters in America - 150th Anniversary Assessment

"The Forty-eighters, as they are generally called, contributed to American life a large number of individuals of whom every American can be proud. This interaction of the German emigre group on American life and on the American background on them constitutes a fascinating and an unusually fortunate moment in history."

History of Pomerania
The Marshall Plan, 1947-1997:  A German View- SITE NO LONGER UP

By Susan Stern. "That the Marshall Plan is still very much alive in the minds of ordinary people 50 years after it was announced is quite remarkable. Without the Marshall Plan, what would have happened to Europe, and indeed the world, in the aftermath of World War II? What direction might the East-West conflict have taken? The Marshall Plan is one of the most visionary Plans history has known, a landmark in the aid annals, and it brought huge returns to all involved - to the benefactor, the United States, and to the beneficiaries, the countries of western Europe. And perhaps most of all to West Germany."

The Marshall Plan - US Exhibit

"As the war-torn nations of Europe faced famine and economic crisis in the wake of World War II, the United States proposed to rebuild the continent in the interest of political stability and a healthy world economy. On June 5, 1947, in a commencement address at Harvard University, Secretary of State George C. Marshall first called for American assistance in restoring the economic infrastructure of Europe. Western Europe responded favorably, and the Truman administration proposed legislation. The resulting Economic Cooperation Act of 1948 restored European agricultural and industrial productivity. Credited with preventing famine and political chaos, the plan later earned General Marshall a Nobel Peace Prize."  Here is the document.  Then click to the famous speech.

For European Recovery: The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Marshall Plan

A Survey of the Marshall Plan and its Consequences."The history of the Marshall Plan remains as astonishing for those who already know it as for those who discover it for the first time." Interesting, important essay.

NAZI GOLD, RESTITUTION, WAR CLAIMS

The Internet is filled with this information.  Simply go to Google and search.  

FOREIGN POLICY

The Foreign Office of the Federal Republic

German Aid to Bosnia - SITE GONE

Important, extensive, article. Clearly, without Germany, whatever the controversies, republics in the former Yugoslavia would not be free, and Bosnia would not be on the road to recovery.  Milosevic would have won, with Karadicz and Mladic standing by his side, smiling. "A strong supporter of the peace process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany has sent some of its best people to the region and contributed roughly $11.5 billion in financial aid. Over the course of the Bosnian war, Germany opened its doors to about 350,000 refugees, more than all other western nations together, and provided them with shelter and assistance. After the Dayton Peace Accords were signed, many Germans went to Bosnia to help with implementation. In addition to German troops in Bosnia maintaining the peace and securing a safe environment, police officers, diplomats, members of parliament and technical experts were among those who brought their skills to the country, training local police, ensuring fair elections, coordinating civilian efforts and mediating disputes. Financial aid from Germany is being used to rebuild the country's economy, meet the needs of returning refugees, particularly for housing, and intesify efforts to reestablish trust between different ethnic communities."

The German-Czech Declaration of Reconciliation, January 1997

Official document contains some very surprising and disappointing parts.  The "both sides" stuff is fairly nauseating. Here is a taste. "In the document, Germany acknowledges responsibility for its role in developments that led to the 1938 Munich Agreement and the forcible breakup and occupation of Czechoslovakia. The Czech Republic regrets the forcible expulsion of the Sudeten Germans and particularly the excesses that contradicted humanitarian principles. Both sides regret the suffering inflicted upon innocent people."

Holocaust Education in Germany

Excellent summary of the wide ranging efforts Germany has taken - more than any other country in the world - which is unfortunate and dangerous considering the actis of both aggression and indifference by every nation in the world.

German Restitution for National Socialist Crimes, January 1998

Remarkable, highly commendable effort, considering all the other countries that have done nothing, including, of course, Switzerland.

German Unification - Five Years On
"Five years of unification have resulted in neither economic miracles nor social catastrophes. Rebuilding the eastern German economy has been more difficult than optimists had expected, and deep-seated differences in outlook more enduring. The eastern economy has, however, rebounded, and the economic disparities between the two halves of the country are narrowing. More importantly, there are also unmistakable signs that easterners and westerners alike are coming to terms with the unprecedented social and political situation created by unification. Unification remains a process still underway, but a process whose benefits are steadily outweighing its burdens. The ongoing process of unification will continue to reshape Germany through the rest of the decade. Much remains to be done in bridging the gaps between the two halves of the country. Reducing unemployment in the east and bringing its environmental infrastructure up to the level of the west's, for example, will take time and money. But having weathered the economic collapse of eastern Germany and the deep recession of the early 1990s, Germany stands well-positioned on the fifth anniversary of unification to address the tremendous challenges that remain."

BERLIN, THE WALL, THE AIRLIFT

Berlin Information Page

All you ever wanted to know. Includes detailed tour.

A Concrete Curtain - The Life and Death of the Berlin Wall

Excellent photo exhibition and history of the Berlin Wall sponsored by the Caen Memorial and the Deutsches Historisches Museum of Berlin.

The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall

Interactive exhibit on news coverage of the Berlin Wall from its construction in 1961 to its destruction in 1989.

German Internet Project: The Berlin Wall 1961-1989  - Dated but a Few Good Sites

The Vanishing Wall

Excellent summary links to history of Berlin Wall, its destruction, its importance.

Web Photo Exhibition - The Berlin Wall

Splendid

The Berlin Wall.

Background information on the Berlin Wall. Discusses the reasons the wall was erected, the construction process, its dimensions, its dismantling in 1989.

Berlin Wall - Comprehensive List From All Vantages

Freie Universitaet Berlin

Humboldt-Universitaet

Berlin Airlift Veterans Association

Airlift history, President Truman, Generals Clay and LeMay, week by week history, stories."In 1948, 50 years ago, Germany's capital Berlin was cut off from the outside world by a Russian blockade.  In an unprecedented effort, Berliners were supplied over the air for 462 days. During that time the men and women assigned to the airlift conducted over 250,000 flights that delivered more then 2 million tons of food and supplies to Berliners. Without this ingenious and heroic effort, Berlin would not have  survived that year. The original members off the airlift have put together a Web page with history, photographs and personal accounts."

US Air Force Berlin Airlift Site

Facts, photos, history.

  HUNGARY:    Land of Swiftly Changing Borders

Hungary has made the greatest progress along with the Czech Republic and Poland. Its rich history is perceptible through these sites. Smaller than Indiana, Hungary has so much variety, it seems larger. Already on the road to economic reform before the revolution, it also has always seemed somewhat freer to me for the past 30 years, as I have come in from other countries - especially Romania. Lake Balaton for years has been my favorite sailing lake.
As most know, Hungary is one of those countries in the past century whose borders have changed overnight, depending on the way the world's wind blows. Typically, one friend's family over the past 3 generations has changed its nationality 6 times living in the same house. Americans would have a difficult time with this concept, particularly as changing nationalities meant forcibly changing language and often religion. An Hungarian writer says it well (if slanted).  "This small country is one of the great survivors of history:  states and empires emerged, expanded or disintegrated and disappeared abound it. Hungary and the Hungarian nation survived the devastation of the Tartars and Turks, Habsburgs and Russians in the Carpathian Basin; survived the fact that it belonged among the losers of both world wars.  A stormy history?  The national anthem describes the Hungarians as 'people torn by fate.'  So we are not extra-terrestrials.  We learnt and became tempered in the tormenting storms of the world."

Helpful to Hungary's relative prosperity is the fact that it was probably the most Western-oriented economy in East Europe before the transition to a market system.  It slowed down almost to a halt by 1994, but has improved significantly since.  Clearly, with starts and stops, Hungary is headed for a "Western" future.

SPECIAL PLACES

The Hungary Page:  A VERY SPECIAL PLACE

I love this page.  Go to it and you will see why.  The Gypsy music that starts up immediately is mesmerizing.  I keep it on for the music!  There's a  much here:  politics, history, culture, great maps, list of Hungarian Nobel Prize Winners, Famous Hungarians, Treaty of Trianon, Olympians, Louis Kossuth, the coat of arms, maps. Ignore the politics and listen and look.

Budapest - A SPECIAL PLACE

"Who has ever been able to explain where love comes from? It is a complex of physiological and psychological processes, inexplicably beautiful, uplifting and down-to-earth. It is much the same with cities, though their allure is easier to explain. That is the sort of magnetic quality that Budapest radiates. Peaceful and bustling, a big metropolis and yet friendly, it treasures the old and embraces the new."  I don't know if I would use the word "love" in describing my feelings about Budapest, but it has always been one of my favorite cities, even when the Hungarian Secret Police were "interviewing" us in the sixties and seventies.
 It is the music, the Hungarian String Quartet in the Palace courtyard, the Hungarian Folklorico Ensemble, the wonderful Ibusz goulash parties for "tourists," the ever-fascinating Danube, even the Budapest Circus and the Budapest Zoo.  When there was nothing in the stores and electricity was rationed, the cafes and music and soup and Tokai were always there - served with that Hungarian flourish.  Liszt in the background, zithers pounding away, and the Gypsy violins with such life and sadness intertwined.  This site gives a small tour, maps, detailed history.  From the Castle District to Parliament to the Palace to the Islands, bridges - complete with the history of each one and nice photos.

The Hungarian Revolution, 1956 - 40th Anniversary Report: A SPECIAL REPORT

By Radio Free Europe.  "Budapest, 18 October 1996 (RFE/RL) -- It was an event that shook the world and affected history. Forty years ago this fall, Hungary took up arms against the Soviet Union in a bid for independence. For a few days it appeared that the revolution would triumph. Then Soviet tanks rumbled in, crushed the uprising and installed a puppet regime." The Road to Revolution, Revolution/Defeat/Aftermath, Childhood Memories.  Outstanding special report.

PANORAMA

Balatan Tourist

Budapest.Com

Slide show, chat room, history, business, people.

2000 - A Tour of Budapest - Virtual Tour

About Hungary's Geography - Good Maps

Hungarian Home Page - Culture, Geography, Travel
Hungarian Music and Radio on the Internet - Wonderful Music !

Hungary Visual Tour - Photo Tours of the Sites

Lake Balaton Online

For over 30 years, Lake Balaton has been one of my favorite places on earth.  I came out from the other Eastern European countries, after weeks of unpleasant research, and always headed for Hungary, and then immediately to Lake Balaton.  I would go up and down this largest lake in Western and Central Europe, rent a sailboat, and sail the lake for 3-4 days - to forget what I had just seen.  Nowadays, however, all the tourists in the world seem to have found it and it is packed.  I still love this place. Wonderful site.

Lonely Planet -- Destination: Hungary

Good start for country. Use Lonely Planet for start for any country research.

Maps of Budapest

Transylvania

Can't leave Hungary without history and images of Transylvania.

SPECIAL HISTORY LIBRARIES, JOURNALS, ON-LINE BOOKS

The Hungarian Quarterly

"Central Europe's best English-language journal" (The Irish Times). "An established international journal of the arts and society providing an independent, lively and inside view on the economy, society, history and culture of a country in the throes of unprecedented change. Publishes the best of contemporary fiction and poetry in quality translation, book reviews, essays on archeology, music, fine arts, theatre and film, exclusive interviews, important documents and background information not available elsewhere in English. Four issues a year."

Hungarian History: The Corvinus Library

This amazing Virtual Library presents many on-line books on Hungarian history, written by leading scholars. Critical site.  Print off or download the material from the 50 or so writers and read them all. I have selected a few here.  These Virtual Library "books" are identified with an asterisk *.  "There were a lot of anticipated, but unexpectedly fast changes lately in Central and East-Central Europe and the Balkans. Researchers, historians, diplomats, professors were scrambling for information on historical and artificially created states of the area. Unfortunately, there were very few - fair and objective - books available on Hungary. To help to fill the sudden demand, we have distributed thousands of books on the subject among university, research, media and government libraries. Now, we are on the Net. The number of works appearing on this home page are growing fast. Please revisit us from time to time. You will find a lot of useful information on the history of Europe, Hungary and the Danube Basin."
**Diplomacy in a Whirlwind

Part I:  Background and Developments Until 1945:  Struggle Along the Danube, WWI Consequences, Between the World Wars, the Peace Treaty, WWII, the Plight of Satellite Diplomacy, End of Independence, Chaos.  Part II: Diplomacy in the Shadow of the Red Star: the Western Attitude, The Yalta Agreement, Soviet Attitude, Hungarian Expectations, as a Republic, Economy, Deadlock, Burial of Hopes.
Strong article.  Here is a taste:  "The geographical position of Hungary has made it a meeting place of expansive forces which on several occasions in her history became a swirling whirlpool. To survive in this critical zone of Europe a different kind of statesmanship has been necessary from that practiced in nations more favored by geography. When the stage was set for the Second World War, Hungarian statesmen had to choose, not between good and bad, but rather between evil and lesser evil. They could not freely choose their course of actions, but did rightly or wrongly what they considered necessary for the survival of their nation. The main actors in this drama have disappeared from the public scene. A few of them have perished in Germany, others in the Soviet Union. Many were executed."

    **The New Central Europe: Czechs and Hungarians - SITE GONE

Another remarkable, scholarly on-line book.  From Habsburgs to Soviets -- and Beyond, The New Europe That Failed. Federalist Experiments, Revisionist Challenge, Czechs and Hungarians, Collapse in Central Europe, Munich: The Tragedy of Appeasement, From Munich to Moscow, Hitler's New Order, Federalist Interlude, Europe's Coming Partition, Churchill's Bargain. Yalta: Tragedy of Liberation, Stalin's New Order, From Potsdam to Prague, Benes and The Russians, The Iron Curtain and the Cold War. Cold War Becomes Detente, Collapse of Eastern Europe. One Thesis:  "The New Europe That Failed .  After the First World War, when the peace treaties were written in Paris, the victorious Western democracies were masters of the European continent. Twenty years later, in September 1938, the Western powers capitulated to Adolf Hitler in Munich, and the Paris peace settlement lay in ruins. The Western-made "New Europe" was in shambles. The crisis began in the moment of victory, and in spite of periodic respites it never really ceased. The war had sharpened the rivalry of the European nations, a morbid rivalry which had been the most significant cause of the war itself; and the peace did nothing to lessen these international hatreds. Winston Churchill coined the maxim "The redress of the grievances of the vanquished should precede the disarmament of the victors." A critic remarked: "Where and how this should, or could, have been done, fairly or safely, is not stated" and certainly the redress of grievances was an immensely difficult and complicated task. Had it only been tried, even a failure could have been called pardonable; but it was not tried, honestly and sincerely, in all the time that the Western democracies were masters of the European scene." These articles do, of course, present a minority historical view.

    **Hungary and Hitler: Scholarly Article

"To be able to understand the relationship that developed between Hungary and Hitler's Third Reich which led to the tragedy of the Hungarian nation, it is essential that one becomes cognizant of the historical facts ."

GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS

American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary
Governmental WWW - Index to all the Government Pages

Hungarian Parliament/National Assembly

Magyar Országgyûlési Hivatal: The Hungarian Parliament

Prime Minister's Office, Hungary - And All the Ministries - The Home Page of the Hungarian Government

TRIANON AND TRANSYLVANIA

Treaty of Trianon

Several events have shaped Hungary's history and the myths and current resentments, beliefs.  None have been more powerful than the WWI treaty which took territory from Hungary - in part because it was aligned with Germany and Austria, and fought with them. Here are a few examples of current feelings.
Trianon Hungary Dismembered
Peace to End Peace
A Country Carved Up Alive at Trianon
Case Study on Trianon:  600-page analysis - all here.

JOURNALS, LIBRARIES, NEWS, REFERENCES

Budapest Sun Home Page - Excellent, Current

LIFE, LIVING, HISTORY, POLITICS IN HUNGARY

Admiral Horthy's Memoirs

The only Interwar Years/WWII ruler without a ship or a sea!  The memoirs are old (1950s) but interesting the first time through.  And they are on this site to read.
The Forward to the Memoirs by Andrew Simon.

I am not really sure of many who would agree with Simon's summary - certainly not the hundreds of thousands of Jews who went to Auschwitz in the last months of the war.  "Admiral Horthy, privy to the domestic policies of the Habsburg empire at the highest level, naval hero, last commandant of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, Regent of a destroyed country that he led into relative prosperity against great odds, an anti-Bolshevik, a prisoner of the Nazis, was a statesman. Having traveled the world while in the navy, speaking six languages, he was not a narrow-minded Nationalist but a patriot who greatly preferred the multi-ethic, multi-religious, multi-lingual diversity of the Monarchy in which he grew up. Above all, he was a gentleman in the oldest, truest sense of the word."

Brief History of Hungary

Decent outline of Hungarian history from one person.

Budapest Link Collection

Large collection of Budapest related pages - culture, business, goverment, education, health.

Colleges and Universities

Hungarian Human Rights Foundation

Hungary - An Introduction

"Do extra-terrestrial beings exist? - the Nobel Prize winning Italian physicist, Enrico Fermi, was once asked by his disciples in California. Of course, Fermi answered - they are already here among us, they are called Hungarians."  So begins this nice place on the web which notes that "this small country is one of the great survivors of history:  states and empires emerged, expanded or disintegrated and disappeared abound it."

Hungarian History

"Hungary has long been a citadel of Western thought in Central Europe. Magyar tribes established the Hungarian State in the Carpathian Basin in 896. Long after Attila ravaged Europe, the Magyar Chieftan Vajk converted to Christianity, established Hungary as a Christian power, and received his crown from the Pope, thus becoming István Király (King Stephen), Hungary's first Christian King in the year 1000. He was later canonized as St. Stephen of Hungary. Hungary has also been known for its tolerance which had its foundations as far back as St. Stephen as shown in the remarkable quote below."

"Make the strangers welcome in this

land, let them keep
their languages and customs, for weak

and fragile is the
realm which is based on a single

language or on a single
set of customs."

Hungary: Where is it?

Hungarian Home Page

List of Servers in Hungary, the electronic library, the virtual museum, information about Hungarian cities, towns, villages.

Mill-centenary of the Hungarian Settlement

Celebrates the Hungarians settling in the Carpathian basin 1,100 years ago. Really a basic academic course in Hungarian folklore, anthropology, religion, history. The story of the unification of the 7 Hungarian groups.

What's New in Hungary?

New services and pages to the land and cities, and history. In chronological order.

World Bank Report on Hungary

HUNGARIAN CUISINE!!!

I must confess it is not only Lake Balaton that lures me to Hungary - but the food.  Even in the old days, when I was researching the concentration camps in all the countries of Eastern Europe, and when, understandably there was little more than basics in all these countries - in Hungary I could always eat elegantly.  Elegantly of the wonderful Goulash Suppe (not stew), the cucumber salad with sour cream, the spaetzle, the Hungarian style cauliflower and mashed potatoes, eat the great Hungarian bread (langos), finish with the Hungarian crepes (Palacsinta) with the chocolate and almond topping, drink Tokai, and listen to the wonderful Gypsy music.  Later as conditions improved, I learned to respect the remarkable meat and game cooking skills. It was in Budapest that I ate my first wild boar (not that sissy white stuff grown domestically in Mendocino county in California).  The pheasant dishes. And deer.  Growing up in Montana, we had lived on game meat cooked brilliantly by my mother.  But the "Venison with Forest Berry Relish" in a game restaurant in Budapest in the Sixties - oh my goodness! 

June Meyer's Hungarian Recipes

Incredible! Hundreds recipes for Hungarian food to die for. As she explains: "all of these recipes are heirloom recipes, handed down through many generations. Some are hundreds of years old, some dating to pagan times.  They are peasant dishes which took advantage of the bounty of the land, requiring slow cooking while the farmers worked in the fields. These are stick to the ribs, clog your arteries food. But they are exceptionally flavorful and unforgettable."

Hungarian Cuisine

This site gives some famous food and drink recipes.

   MACEDONIA:    And Its Place in Balkan Power Politics

2001.  I will be in Macedonia in September.  The Macedonian situation (serious!) is all over the news (August 2001).  I leave the reader to search the Web news sites.  Well I was there on September 11!
1999.  Macedonia is wee country, the size of Vermont. And yet it has played such a role in history. My own pictures in my head are of beauty and simplicity, art, serenity, awful poverty, and a singular staying power. The Bulgarians destroyed the Macedonian Jews with Hitler's help during WWII. The great and small powers have partitioned it. Macedonian nationalists have assasinated figures they did not like. The last time I sat on the shores of Lake Ohrid overlooking the border, there was no serenity left. The paths we were going to use to cross over into Kosovo with our guide were land-mined. The war in BH, the results of the UN sanctions, the Greek actions and sanctions, and now the Kosovo disaster have left this country nearly at bare bones - to say nothing of the assassination attempt on the President which left him in the hospital for some time. A few years ago, a bomb blew out his right eye, imbedded 3 pieces of shrapnel in his head, and gave him a brain hemorrhage. Neurosurgeons from the US, France, Greece flew in to operate. He lived and is back. No one has ever been arrested.

It is a complex situation in Macedonia - and the material on this site shows that well - but the extremes are being reached. And if they are, the extremist fringes in Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria may well win - and involve Turkey also. And thus NATO and the US - between rocks and hard places.  Again, it is a question of badly-used history taken to the extreme. I have tried to keep the opposing views separate in the following sites as much as possible to give the viewer an opportunity to go to see what basically are two simple but starkly opposing "theses."

Macedonian Information Agency

The best place for first rate current infomation and analysis. It is, of course, from one very biased point of view.

Macedonia:  The Soros Page:  SPECIAL EFFORT

Geography, history, economy, culture, cities.

Republic of Macedonia:  FAQs:  A SPECIAL SITE

 Having just returned from Macedonia, I can speak for the enormous difficulties facing that nation and its need to focus on the deluge of refugees, relief workers, humanitarian aid.  I am leaving all the sites up because they are very important, and my colleagues there tell me they intend to put Macedonia back on line whenever they can.  

REMEMBERING ITS ANCIENT PAST

Alexander the Great

Philip II of Macedon

FACTS AND QUESTIONS

Macedonia FAQ: King Marko - A Legend And Reality

Macedonia FAQ: Macedonian uprisings In the 19th And the Beginning of 20th Centuries

For the Macedonian people, as for neighboring peoples in the Balkans, the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century were full of armed insurrections aimed at the overthrow of Osmanli political domination. And the formation of national states.

Basic Macedonian FAQ - Who are the Macedonians, ETC

Macedonians in Bulgaria

The Partition of Macedonia in 1913 and its Consequences.   Macedonians as Minority in Bulgaria.   Amnesty International on Behalf of the Pirin Macedonians.

The Macedonian Greek Conflict - From the Distant Past to Today - SITE DOWN

A very tough and complex issue. This comprehensive article lends understanding to the Macedonian view.  Here are a few excerpts:  "Lots of books have been written about Macedonia, but many of them simply serve to justify the aspirations, propaganda, and the partition of Macedonia of 1913, by the neighboring countries such as Greece. These sources are, therefore, biased. The Greek pages about Macedonia rely strictly on their very own Greek propaganda sources. In order to find the real truth about Macedonia, one has to rely on the independent and neutral sources when looking into history. This page is such case, which browses historical independent and neutral facts, to show the truth about Macedonia against the century-old Greek propaganda.
The end of World War II brought both joy and sadness to the Macedonian people. Joy because the Macedonians were finally recognized as a distinct people with their own nationality, language, and culture in Yugoslavia. The possible unification of all three parts of Macedonia failed, however. Great Britain intervened and blocked that idea, afraid that the Macedonian unification would endanger her interests on the Balkan peninsula.
Macedonia seceded from Yugoslavia and became a sovereign state by a popular referendum held in September 1991 when the majority of voters chose independence. Greece immediately demanded from the international community not to recognize Macedonia. Greece alleges that:  
1.The Macedonians should not be recognized as Macedonians because the Macedonians have been of Greek nationality since 2000 BC.
2.Those Macedonians whose language belongs to the Slavic family of

languages, must not call themselves Macedonians because 4000 years ago, the Macedonians spoke Greek and still speak nothing but Greek.

3.Macedonia has no right to call itself by this name because Macedonia has always been and still is a region of Greece.
The people of Macedonia affirm that:
1.The ancient Macedonians were a distinct European people, conscious and proud of their nationality, their customs, their language, and their name. The same applies to the modern Macedonians today.

2.The ancient Macedonians regarded the ancient Greeks as neighbors, not as kinsmen. The Greeks treated the Macedonians as foreigners ("barbarians") whose native language was Macedonian, not Greek.
3.Macedonia was never a region of Greece. On the contrary, ancient Greece was subjected to Macedonia. In 1913, modern Greece and her Balkan allies partitioned Macedonia. If today a portion of Macedonia belongs to Greece, it is by virtue of an illegal partition of the whole and occupation of a part of Macedonia. These assertions will be shown to be true in the eyes of history proving the absurdity of Greek allegations against the people of Macedonia.
CONCLUSION:
The claims put forward by Greece that the ancient Macedonians were Greeks, that their native language was Greek, and that Macedonia was region of Greece, are all false. The historical truth is that Greece was inhabited by ancient Greeks, Macedonia by ancient Macedonians. Today, it is the modern Greeks and the modern Macedonians who occupy those lands. It is a total absurdity to hear the Greeks of today claim they are the Macedonians, the Greek Macedonians, the only and true Macedonians. How can they be 'the only and true Macedonians,'  when today's Greek population of Aegean Macedonia immigrated there just 80 years ago joining that small Greek minority of 10%? How can they overlook the atrocities they committed on the people who proudly called themselves Macedonians? What about the statistics and maps made by neutral and independent ethnographers, slavists, and writers, to prove the existence of the Macedonian nation? What about the ethnic Macedonians whose discrimination by the official Greek government was witnessed by the independent Human Rights Watch / Helsinki and Amnesty International in 1994? The existence of the Macedonian nation and the ethnic Macedonian minority in Greece can not be questioned. There is, however, a great deal of irony surrounding the issue. In spite of the truth about Macedonia and the Macedonians, many Western countries have not yet recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name but under the reference "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia."

How it is possible that the Western countries have chosen to follow "democratic" Greece where lies prevail over the truth? The European Court found the Greek embargo illegal and put Greece on trial, but did nothing to stop it while it was so harmful to the Macedonian economy. Greece is a member of the European Union, NATO, an important ally that occupies a very strategic position. On the other hand, all other countries that do not belong to those organizations have recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name. Russia and China are among those countries. The question now is if the West is willing to risk losing Greece for the small landlocked Macedonia? It is clear at least that by standing silent on the issue, they are actually taking an active role in Greece's mean politics, however.The truth about Macedonia slowly but surely is coming to the top, working towards a final end to the century-old shadow of Greek lies and propaganda."

Development of the Idea of a Macedonian Nation

The Aegean Part Of Macedonia After the Balkan Wars

Premises For a Macedonian State

The Idea Of Macedonian Liberation Between the Two World Wars

The Establishment Of the Macedonian State In the Second World War

GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTION

Lubco Georgievski, Prime Minister, 1998 - .

International Policy Goals

Important document.  " Macedonia sees itself as a promoter of harmonious relations with neighbors and it aspires to grasp the possibility to distance itself, physically but also terminologially and psychologically from the Bosnian crises. Being aware of the fact that the world continues to identify the Balkans with Bosnia - with which Macedonia has no common border -- Macedonian diplomacy insists on the use of the term South Balkans as locating the Macedonian state in that region. The climate in the south of the Balkans is after all normal, and in its heart is Macedonia, a country that resembles yet is so much different from Balkan countries."

The President of Macedonia, 1999-:  Boris Trajkovski

Kiro Gligorov, President of Macedonia, 1991-1999

Biography.

The Macedonian Question in Foreign Relations

From its inception in the 19th century to today.

The Constitution

LIFE, TIMES, TROUBLES, RESENTMENTS

Excite Travel - Macedonia - SITE KAPUT - TOO POLITICAL!

EXCITE wrote in early 1999: "For the moment, Macedonia is the eye in the middle of the storm. The only Yugoslav republic to secede from Yugoslavia without bloodshed, this tiny country remains surrounded by other Balkan states that are still battling it out. And unfortunately, its unruly neighbors keep threatening Macedonia's uneasy calm. So far, though, Serbia's simmering war in Kosovo and Albania's growing chaos have not undermined Macedonia's fragile democracy. The country's ethnic Albanian minority, which has been a potential source of instability, has agreed to become part of the ruling coalition. If things go as planned, Macedonia may become that most valuable of entities: a buffer state, blunting the sharper edges of its Balkan

neighbors. Macedonia, however, has more to offer the world than just a role in foreign policy. Set on a high plateau, its scenery is striking: The stark landscape is dotted with medieval monasteries, exotic Eastern architecture and aged cities. These monuments date from the years when Macedonia was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks. "

List of World Wide Web and other Internet Resources about Macedonia

Macedonia and the Arts

Poetry, literature, music, art.

The Cultural Life of Macedonia

Another well done cultural portrait from music through all the arts.

Heritage History of Macedonia

"Macedonian Makedoniya, officially Republic of Macedonia (1994 preliminary population 1,936,877), 9,925 square miles (25,713 square kilometers) in the South central Balkan peninsula; formerly a constituent republic of Yugoslavia. Macedonia is bordered by Yugoslavia (North), Albania (West), Greece (South), and Bulgaria (East). The country is largely mountainous and is bisected by the Vardar River valley. The population is about two-thirds Macedonian, and many belong to the Orthodox Church. There is a sizable Albanian Muslim minority, concentrated mainly in Western Macedonia. Macedonian (related to Bulgarian) is the official language."

Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra

Open Society Institute of Macedonia

Religion in Macedonia

Strong page with a range of links.

Republic of Macedonia: What's New

Facts, figures, geography, major cities, other places of interest, documents and materials, culture, other resources. Extensive site but dated.

Skopje: Political, Economic, and Cultural Center of Macedonia

Welcome to DESIDERATA: The Stairway to Heaven

"Finding a peaceful corner in this tormented world is not easy. But it is not impossible. Our Stairway to Heaven, called Desiderata was designed for the purpose of offering a haven for escapism. We would like to promote Macedonia as one such Desiderata Place offering attractive stairways to the heaven of the South Slavs; as a rich and interesting archaeological locality ideal for research; as a holy place with numerous churches and monasteries abounding in invaluable icons and iconstases; as a cradle of the ancient Slavonic culture and education and a home to the first Slavonic University in the Balkans."

THE NASTY CHALLENGE BY GREECE

Many, many pages and many sites. All worth reading to understand the dangerous, long history, and intensity of this troubled situation. From this site and its links alone, the printed material is two inches high. Needs to be read through. This business of who is or isn't a nation is very wearing and very dangerous. Everything in this category is from a Greek stance. Histories included here, however, have value and should not be discounted.

Ancient Macedonia:  A Brief History

Black Hand Over Europe

Quotes from the Pozzi book again.  This 1935 book really gets around.  It is being used for every Balkan controversy.

Mrs. Karakasidou's Case

"The case is that Mrs. Karakasidou a fabled anthropologist has found  Macedonians of the Slavic persuasion under every stone of the Greek Province of Macedonia. She found so many that decided to publish a study on the subject and send her manuscript to Cambridge University Press. The CUP in turn , turned down her manuscript citing unsubstantiated claims of possible boycots in Greece. The lameness of the excuse does not warranty an answer, yet a lot of people have used it as a clutching straw to attack Greece yet another time."

Macedonian FAQ:  Hellenic

A central site to the controversy.

The "Macedonian Question":   A Historical Review

The Macedonian Affair: Historical Review of Attempts to Create Counterfeit Nation

"Today, Greece has many serious reasons for refusing to recognise the so-called 'Socialist Republic of Macedonia'. The most important of these reasons are as follows: First, the fact that for forty years Skopje was the leading edge of Tito's policy of expansion: a policy which in other respects relied on a simplistic and ignorant view of the history of the area. This, with justice, creates a feeling that expansionist designs on Greece are being harboured.  

Second, the claim made by Skopje that "the whole of Macedonia has never been liberated" and that "only that part of it which is controlled from Skopje" is free, is an indirect but clear questioning of Greek sovereignty.

Third, the use by Skopje of the denomination of Greek Macedonia is also a questioning of Greek sovereignty, especially in conjunction with Skopje's persistent refusal to accept the placenames used in the area since the Balkan Wars.

Fourth and last, by using the name Macedonia Skopje is lodging a cultural claim against Greece, since what is geographically 'Macedonian' is being appropriated so as to turn it into 'nationally Macedonian'.  Greece rejects the claim advanced by Skopje for recognition of a 'Macedonian' minority for the very simple reason that, since the Greek-Bulgarian exchange of populations in 1919 and the departure of the 'Slav-Macedonians' in 1949 there has been no Slav minority in Greece."

The Vision of "Greater Macedonia"

    POLAND:     The Solidarity Beginning

So many sites. Considered a "large" country in Europe, its size is less than New Mexico. A country always on the verge of greatness or division.  I think that without the Polish Solidarity movement, the changes and movement in Eastern Europe might have progressed more slowly.  The news of what the Poles were doing always gave heart and possibilities in other more restricted countries.  My feelings about Poland are, of course, torn.  I spent so many years early on, looking for, finding, sitting by myself in isolated places in all of the camps and killing centers.  And yet, I agreed some years ago to assist in Warsaw in conferring the Righteous Gentile Award on a Polish Christian who had saved Jews.  As a Gentile, I met with groups of Polish Christians who had risked their lives to help - no small matter.  The only way to understand Poland is to read its history and understand the staying power of its past in its present - and its future.  Will this country emerge from that past strong and healthy?  The answer is simply - yes.

SPECIAL SITES

The Official Web Site of Poland

Natural environment with links to geography, cities, historical regions, climate, ecology. Society with history, archaeology, social organizations, unions, minorities, religions, political parties. The Polish State and all governments, politics, law embassies, military. Culture and Art and museums, galeries, music, literature, theatre, cinema, media.  Science and Education, Economy, Internet.  Sport and Tourism, Health.

Rzeczpospolita Polska:  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

First-rate range of excellent information.  Foreign policy, NATO.  Basic Facts focuses on political leadership and foreign policy, year by year.  Poland Seen Abroad - with superb music sites.  Curent "Month in Poland."

PANORAMA

Kosovo Crisis - Polish Position

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland profoundly deplores the humanitarian disaster now unfolding dramatically in Kosovo. Thousands of civilians being driven out of their homes, and out of Kosovo, in fear of their lives and stripped of their identity cards by Yugoslav troops, police and paramilitary units prove irrefutably the facts of blatant violation of fundamental human rights by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is impossible to accept the policies of accomplished facts being generated in today's Europe.   The MFA resolutely protests against and strongly condemns the Yugoslav Federal government's policy of sustained ethnic cleansing, pacification of Albanian villages and reprisals unleashed upon the Albanian intelligentsia."

Explore Poland - Regions, Businesses, Sights, Sounds

Go Poland - Regions, Cities, Culture

Lonely Planet:  Destination Poland

Art, places, history, culture.

Map of Poland
Poland at Large

Economy, society, education, foreign policy, privatization, trade, health, tourism, home news, culture.

Polish World - Central and Critical Site

Extensive categories from arts & culture, to business & economy, education, government & politics, news, history, entertainment.

ART, HISTORY,  AND CULTURE

Arts and Culture:  Connections

Eigthieth Anniversary of Independence, 1918-1998

The Flame that Never Died.

Land of the Winged Horsemen: Art in Poland, 1572 -1764

From the Polish Past

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs superb site:  September 1939 - 60th Anniversary, The Polish Question (1940-1945), Origins of the Enigma / Ultra Operation, The Warsaw Uprising (1944), Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wartime Losses - Polish Painting.  Excellent material.

Krakov  - Good Site of one of Poland's Major and Most Historical Cities

Marie Curie: 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Polonium and Radium

Polish Nobel Prize Laureates

Summary of Polish History

GOVERNMENT , BUSINESS AND POLITICS

Business Polska

Extensive economic and commercial information.

Embassy of Poland in the US - Superior Embassy Site

Government and Politics:  Connections

The President of Poland

The Solidarity Movement in Poland

Good site, good history of a core component.

TIME :  Award - Lech Walesa

Twenty leaders and revolutionaries of the 20th century who helped shaped the political and social fabric of our times.

NATO

Statement by Jerzy Buzek, Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland
Bronislaw Geremek, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Poland On the U.S. Senate's Ratification of the NATO Accession Protocols
Address by Bronislaw Geremek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland at the ceremony of deposition of Protocols of Accession of the Republic of Poland to NATO
The Priorities of Poland's Foreign Policy
Poland in NATO:  A Perspective
Letter From the Ambassador
Cost of NATO Enlargement
Speeches & Articles by Polish & US Officials

THE ENDURING POLISH-JEWISH ISSUES

Auschwitz Crosses Issues Solved

Jews-Poles-Christians Forum

"It is an undeniable fact that a gap exists between the true state of Polish-Jewish and Christian-Jewish relations–and the way that the mass media interpret these relations. For almost fifty years, an officially imposed silence shrouded these matters. A great void was left by the former censorship, which tolerated no exchange of ideas on the subject. This had very negative effects for Poland, because it extended far beyond national boundaries and disfigured any approach to Polish-Jewish problems. In this bulletin we adopt a comprehensive approach to the subject of the Jews in Poland, to the history of Polish-Jewish relationships, to Jewish culture and to current problems, with an emphasis on  matters having to do with the Polish-Jewish, Christian-Jewish dialogue."  Under Events, an excellent summary of Polish-Jewish events around the world.  Interviews, reviews, the Pope's prayer.

Under One Heaven:  Poles and Jews

And Thou Shalt not Kill. The Internet Issue of Weiz, is no longer offered.  But take a look. Very important work being done. "Selection of essays published over many years by the highly respect Catholic monthly, Wiez (The Bond). And here.  Contributors include Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the first post-communist Prime Minister of Poland, Wladislaw Bartoszewski, a hero of Zegota (the underground organization dedicated to rescuing Jews from the Nazis); Stanislaw Krajewski, one of the leaders of the remaining small Jewish community in Poland: an archbishop, two priests, a rabbi from Chicago, and a score of writers, historians and survivors. Since the Holocaust - the greatest crime in the history of mankind - anti-Semitism has been universally condemned. In Western public opinion, some sort of equation exists between anti-Semitism and Nazism. Any government, institution or individuals that openly profess or practice anti-Semitism exclude themselves from the family of nations sharing common democratic values. The democratic elements in today's Poland are eager to reach an understanding and ongoing cooperation with the Jewish Diaspora. This book about Poles and Jews represents an honest effort to confess fully and truthfully what was wrong in the past as a step toward establishing a new and better future. It is an effort and a gesture, which deserves attention, encouragement and a constructive response.   Jan Nowak-Jezioranski Annandale, March 1999."

The Jewish Community of Poland

News, organizations, outstanding links (one of the best collections of sites I have seen).

THE GYPSIES

Hitler exterminated 500,000 Gypsies in WWII. The Croatian Ustasha tried to kill all of Croatia's and almost did. Now they are under siege again. Old hatreds make them the scapegoats for hard times throughout Central Europe.  500,000 Gypsies live in Eastern Europe - half of the world's 10 million. Existing at the margins of society, violence is normal for them - in Poland, Bulgaria, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and in Romania with the world's largest Gypsy population (between 1 and 2 million). The fighting in former Yugoslavia has destroyed many of them. Few Web sites come to their aid or even mention them. See the Holocaust section under "While the World Turns," for information during WWII. When we come across current material, we will try to list it here.

  ROMANIA:   The Paris of the Balkans

When I travel through what seems like a vast country, I remind myself it is smaller than Oregon.  I have always been drawn there since the early 60s - entranced by my images of the past, angered by my many experiences with the Securitate and the realization of their torture of their citizens in their midst, fascinated with the stunning gymnasts, awed by the beauty of Transylvania.  Drawn by a need to somehow understand a man who visits such horror and cruelty on his own people for so very long.  Starving them, turning off their heat and lights in the dead of winter, throwing their children into stinking orphanages that I stumbled into in the early 80s, taking their fine minds and spirits and achievements and forcing an entire nation into banality.  Make no mistake.  No Eastern European country suffered as much as Romania during the Iron Curtain years.

 Yet, look at its recent past. When Romania was recognised as a State in 1862, Bucharest naturally expanded. After 1918, when Transylvania was reunited with the rest of the country, the city developed into an acknowledged European centre of culture and good living, earning it the nickname "the Little Paris of the East." Literary and artistic salons, like that of the Princess Bibesco, flourshed. french architects, who had contributed so much to its style, its treelined boulevards and elegant fin de siecle architecture in the 19th century, again added grace to its buildings. An Arc of Triomphe was erected in 1935 on the handsome Soseaua Kiseleff, itself longer than the Champs Elysee and alive with blossom in the spring. Boulevard cafes proliferated. The Parisian comparison was fully justified.

Now I have met Presidents and Ministers, brilliant doctors and nurses trying to meet the health challenges with no equipment, ordinary folks hoping the suffering will end, students, businessmen, politicians - the new ones and the "old ones."  Analytically, clearly Romania is poised to overcome its difficulties - slowly but certainly - if it can just stay the course.  I think its history shows that it can.

SPECIAL PLACES

Romanian Education Network:  REMARKABLE, SPECIAL EFFORT

Organization and a data communication system connecting Local Area Networks to a national communication infrastructure. Aim of this technical complex is to offer the participants -  universities, cultural and scientific nonprofit institutions - the means to communicate with each other as well  and to have access to Internet. Here is a clickable list of all the linked educational institutions.  Visit my favorites: The University of Bucharest and The University of Iashi.

Virtual ROMANIA - The Home Page: A SPECIAL SITE

Site so comprehensive that most start here. Difficult to reach the information through any other route. News, history, geography, economy, people, arts, huge gopher source of articles, orphans and adoptions, politics.

Research Institute for Informatics

Romania's leading Think Tank.

PANORAMA

A & A Bears

Great home page by two twenty-two year  old graphic designers from Cluj-Napoca.

Center for Political Studies and Comparative Analysis

Romanian Think Tank.

Embassy of Romania, Washington D.C.

Well-done, helpful place.

English-Romanian Dictionary

Great Service.  "Handy English to Romanian dictionary. Program provides virtually instant access to over 12,000 words and terms."

Geography of Romania

Human Rights Report on Romania, January 1998

Wide-ranging penetrating study (the penetration is not necessarily accurate or sensitive).

Language Romania - This is very helpful!

A really "swell" home page by a very talented, creative Romanian student.

Jewish Community of Kishinev

"For some, the name Kishinev has sinister connotations, recalling grim photos of piles of bodies--Jewish victims of the terrible pogroms which  occurred there at the turn of the century. Today, these tragic scenes have happily given way to scenes of joy--scenes of a vibrant, spirited Jewish life. After decades of war, destruction and oppression, the Jewish community of Kishinev is experiencing a renaissance, unprecedented in modern times. "

Permanent Mission of Moldavia to the UN

Information, press releases, speeches, history.

Population and People

Romania.org - One of the Better Romanian Sites

Romanian Academy

"As a national institution, the Romanian Academy represents the highest cultural forum both in humanities and natural sciences. During its existence, the Romanian Academy has made an extraordinary contribution to the promotion of the Romanian culture and to the development of a fruitful national scientific activity. With few exceptions, its members have been the most important and representative Romanian personalities."  The Romanian Academy, although not "pure" during the Ceausescu years, built on one of the finest scholarly traditions in Europe and never sold out like so many.  In fact, I have since met individual members of that Academy who as brilliant academicians ended up spending some years as janitors and brick layers because of their independence.

Romanians and their contributions to the World - Nice

Romanian Information Desk

"General Information about Romania, Tips for Business Travelers and browse some Investment Related News and Information."

Romanian Medicine Online

A superior Romanian medical resource: dictionary of medicine, Romanian medical organizations, the Nobel Prizes for Medicine and Physiology. Information available in Romanian and English.

Romanian Recipes

40 categories, hundreds of recipes.  Yummers.

"PLACES"

Bucharest - A City of Boulevards and Parks

Take a walk through a city I think is lovely. And on a very special site.

Bucharest Home Page   UNDER RECONSTRUCTION

Full, complete guide. Tour, history, photos.

Bucharest Weather

Romanian Castles

Carefully conceived and interesting page. "Roman remains, feudal fortresses and castles, Byzantine "painted" monasteries and decorated village houses testify to a richly historic past. Romanian castles are one of the attractions of this country with a thousand of faces, while "Dracula" castle is only one among hundreds of noble castles and palaces. "

Timisoara: A Good History, Culture Site

Transylvania:  A Legendary Land

I have always been charmed by Transylvania.  Maybe part of it was because it seemed away from Ceausescu and his Securitate, and it seemed to have a life of its own. Also, parts reminded me a little of my home - Montana.  Take a look.

Virtual Moldavia

What a very special page about a place on earth where few Americans have been.

1999 - What's Next?

"Ten years after communism died, Romanians still await better times."  "Romania is like a ship without a compass. After 10 years, there is confusion and depression."

BUSINESS, ECONOMY - AND THE CRITICAL PRIVATIZATION CHALLENGE

Romanian Business Journal

The best Business Journal in Eastern Europe.  Dynamic, far-sighted, creative, informative.  Business, tourism, politics.  Cutting-edge. This Journal and its professionals pave the way for the future.  I met at length with its charasmatic, dynamic, and insightful Director, Dr. Viorel Salagean - and the Deputy Chief Editor, Cristina Ion. Perhaps it was the honest and tough-minded conversation, the tea, the realism, and realistic optimism - but I came away confirming my observations that however difficult the task ahead, Romania had a decent future in the European Community.  And on the plane to Sarajevo, I talked with 4 American businessmen who insisted that in several important areas, Romanian companies could compete with the best in the world.  They were in Joint Ventures in furniture, toys, and porcelain.

The Economic Legacy of Ceausescu

Outstanding, clear article.  "Romania under Ceausescu will go down in the history books as a sort of economic curio; a failed social experiment. However to the Romanian people his policies were very real and his legacy will undoubtdedly affect many generations to come."

Romanian Yellow Pages

VISITING, STAYING, LEARNING ABOUT ROMANIA

Hotels and Travel - Good Links

Romanian Travel Guide - Excellent Travel Page

But the music hurts my dog's ears.

Tourism in Romania

HISTORY

Brief History of Romania

Coup d'Etat of 1989

Sobering page. Sobering music. Sobering photos of the Ceausescus, alive and dead. Sobering full transcript of their "trials."From the Romanian Revolution

History of the Romanians by Ion Calafeteanu

One of the finest designed, illustrated,  and written country histories on the Web.  A must.  "Unlike all the other peoples of south-east Europe, unlike the Hungarians and the Poles, the Romanians were the only ones who maintained their state entity during the Middle Ages, along with their own political, military and administrative structures."  "The victory of the revolution opened the way for a re-establishment of democracy, of the pluralist political system, for the return to a market economy and the re-integration of the country in the European economic, political and cultural space. "

Jewish History of Romania

Comprehensive, thorough treatment. Discusses the growing Antisemitism and cruelty of the  Twenties and Thirties, the formation of the Iron Guard, the nasty pogroms, the Jewish laws, the Holocaust in Romania, the horrible Bucharest pogrom,  the pogroms to the north ("half of the 320,000 Jews living in Bessarabia, Bukovina, and the Dorohoi district (which was in Old Rumania) were murdered during the first few months of Rumania's involvement in the war, i.e., up to Sept. 1, 1941"), .the creation of the terrible Transnistria reservation, the government's refusal to deport Jews to the "East," the end of the war.  "Fifty-seven percent of the Jewish population under Rumanian rule during the war (including the Jews of Bessarabia and northern Bukovina) survived the Holocaust."  Also covers strong Jewish resistance and leadership, the struggle to repatriate deported Jews.  And then the problems and challenges through Communism and to current times.

Romanian History

"Aiming to reveal the part played by the Romanians and their ancestors in world history, this work sets forth, in a very brief and accessible manner, the most significant events and salient people who have made up the Romanian saga from its beginnings to the day."   Early, Geto-Dacians, Roman Dacia, Romanian Principalities, The Middle Ages, Nation Building. Modern Age, Greater Romania, From Democracy to Dictatorship, The Communist Regime, The Return to Democracy.

Enemy Within: The Romanian Intelligence Service in Transition

Interesting but not thought to be very accurate. "Thus, as long as the Romanian secret service continues to function without a clear legal basis of budgetary allotment, and the fate of Romania's policy is decided behind closed doors, the enemy within will destroy Romania's fragile path to democracy and to a new destiny."

A Clear And Present Danger To Democracy: The New Romanian Security Services Are Still Watching

"Conclusion.   In Romania, despite some positive changes that have occurred in the last few years, like the slow but sure advance of a market economy, freedom of political activity and of travel, a free press and the emergence from international isolation, many critics of the present regime argue that Ceausescu's legacy lives on and still remains strong. Indeed, the country's rulers are all reformed communists, much of the old state socialist economy is still in place, and the communist nomenklatura has retained its influence and used its connections to flourish in the private economy.

But more than that, unlike the situation in other former East Central European communist countries, the main danger to Romania's "original democracy" is much clearer and present: the communist secret police, the Securitate, has been reborn in the form of at least nine new security services structures. Based on the legacy of the former Securitate's methods, these successor services have managed in the last few years to greatly increase their power and, as a proper parliamentary scrutiny is still far from being achieved, they could very easily push Romanian society toward authoritarianism, especially when democratic institutions and processes are new and untried."

THE CEAUSESCU YEARS AND THE REVOLUTION

Ceausescu.Org

Outstanding site on this unusual subject.

Ceausescu, Nicolae

"This Website is dedicated to a period of Romanian history, shaped by the communist Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. The content of this site is a loose collection of material we gathered over the last years from different sources." Chronology, pictures, Romanian Revolution, articles.

Ceausescu & Romania

The December Revolt and the Coup D'Etat, 1989

"In many ways Ceausescu was a victim of his own ego and the myth of his invulnerability, reinforced by the perception, both in Bucharest and the West, that Romanian citizens were largely docile and politically apathetic. As a result, he came to believe that he could rely primarily on the Securitate to maintain power while alienating the one group that was capable of overthrowing him, the Romanian military.

Ceausescu also misjudged the extent to which the Romanian people could go on suffering severe deprivation in order to achieve his goal of repaying Romania's foreign debts. To the end, Elena and Nicolae Ceausescu never grasped the fact that the more the Romanian people had to endure, and the more ruthless the Securitate was in suppressing the growing unrest and dissent, the more explosive the situation had become.

The popular revolt and coup of December 1989 will forever be synonymous in Western eyes with the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. How ironic it must seem then that while the rest of Eastern Europe is experiencing a flowering of democracy, some Romanians feel they are still suffering under a powerful political police apparatus, and a 'neo-Communist' ruler, as the government of President Ion Iliescu is derisively called by some opposition groups." Covers Romanian Security and Intelligence Organizations, Soviet Ties to Romanian Security, The Pressure Builds, The December Revolt and Coup, The Coup D'Etat, Origins of the National Salvation Front (NSF), Was Moscow Behind the Coup?, Words of Support from Moscow, Role of Securitatea in the December Revolt and Coup, Remnants of the "Securitatea" join the Army and the NSF."

Day By Day History of the Romanian Revolution

Transcript of the Secret Closed Trial of Nicolae and Elena Ceausecu

Military base Tirgoviste - December 25th 1989. ( Prosecutor Gica POPA .   General Gica POPA, "killed himself" in March 1990 !).
"CHIEF PROSECUTOR: Esteemed chairman of the court, today we have to pass a verdict on the defendants Nicolae Ceausescu and Elena Ceausescu who have committed the following offenses: Crimes against the people. They carried out acts that are incompatible with human dignity and social thinking; they acted in a despotic and criminal way; they destroyed the people whose leaders they claimed to be. Because of the crimes they committed against the people, I plead, on behalf of the victims of these two tyrants, for the death sentence for the two defendants.
PROSECUTOR: Did you hear the charges? Have you understood them?

CEAUSESCU: I do not answer, I will only answer questions before the Grand National Assembly. I do not recognize this court. The charges  are incorrect, and I will not answer a single question here.
PROSECUTOR: This situation is known. The catastrophic situation of the country is known all over the world. Every honest citizen who worked hard here until 22 December knows that we do not have medicines, that you two have killed children and other people in this way, that there is nothing to eat, no heating, no electricity.
PROSECUTOR: It is very difficult for us to act, to pass a verdict on people who even now do not want to admit to the criminal offenses that they have committed during 25 years and admit to the genocide, not only in Timisoara and Bucharest, but primarily also to the criminal offenses committed during the past 25 years. This demonstrates their lack of understanding. They not only deprived the people of heating, electricity, and foodstuffs, they also tyrannized the soul of the Romanian people. They not only killed children, young people and adults in Timisoara and Bucharest; they allowed Securitate members to wear military uniforms to create the impression among the people that the army is against them. They wanted to separate the people from the army. They used to fetch people from orphans' homes or from abroad whom they trained in special institutions to become murderers of their own people. You were so impertinent as to cut off oxygen lines in hospitals and to shoot people in their hospital beds. The Securitate had hidden food reserves on which Bucharest could have survived for months, the whole of Bucharest.  We ask for the death penalty."

Why Ceausescu Fell

Caligula and Ceausescu

Interesting comparison article.  "They were dangerously mad people with no limitations on their power."

Overplanned Parenthood: Ceausescu's Cruel Law

One of the worst deeds in Post WWII "civilized" world by a President who received two American State Visits.  "His ministerial palaces and avenues paled next to another of his schemes for building socialism: a plan to increase Romania's population from 23 million to 30 million by the year 2000. He began his campaign in 1966 with a decree that virtually made pregnancy a state policy. "The fetus is the property of the entire society," Ceausescu proclaimed. "Anyone who avoids having children is a deserter who abandons the laws of national continuity."

Ceausescu's Fortune - The Public Auction

In March, 2000, Romania auctioned off Ceausescu's "things."Stunning site.  Amazing the luxury of the "Dictator" as his people starved and froze to death. Cars -  full descriptions and pictures inside and out; boats - pictures inside and out of his "yachts"; residences, pictures of closets and closets of clothing; and other goods.
Pictures of his palaces (not for sale). For example, Primaverii Palace:  Outside & Gardens, Halls, Conference room, Livingrooms, Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Pool, Therapy facilities, Green House, Underground halls, the Bunker.

THE DRACULA LEGEND

1997 - The Dracula Centennial Year

Conferences, reports, articles.

The Bram Stoker/Dracula Centennial Conference: Dracula Studies Home Page

An Ongoing Project Dedicated to Scholarship in Dracula Studies.

Children of the Night - Make My Day!

Elizabeth Miller, a professor with the Department of English at Memorial University of Newfoundland (in Canada). "I am very active in Dracula Studies, having given papers on everyone's favorite vampire in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Germany, and Romania. I have recently completed writing a book entitled, Reflections on Dracula. It covers a variety of Dracula-related topics in essay form." Her web site is devoted to Dracula-related topics.

Count Dracula Sites - A Journey

Dracula: The History of Myth and the Myth of History - by Elizabeth Miller

Dracula's Home Page

The Dracula Page

Designed to accompany discussion of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, enjoying in 1997 the centenary of its publication.

Dracula Tour - E. Miller

The Historical Dracula - Article

Stoker, Dracula, Vampires

Author writes:  "I have decided to cover a range of topics dealing with Stoker,  Dracula and vampires, with interviews and articles. During the past couple of years, I have been interviewed dozens of times by various media (radio, television and print). I am including the text of some of those interviews."

Welcome to Dracula's Castle - A Window Into East European History

I have been here.  It is lovely in the sunlight - but as dusk approaches, shivers! Step in - now. Listen to the voice of the Count:  "If only these walls could speak... They would tell you about my six years rule over Wallachia. About the wars I fought against those pagan foes. The Ottomans were threatening all of us... I stood up against those eunuchs, I fought them, I punished them...impaling they taught me... impaling they got... The wrath of the Ottomans came upon us after all those Crusades....Christendom was under assault."

The Vampire, Dracula and Incest:

The Vampire Myth, Stoker's DRACULA and Psychotherapy of Vampiric Sexual Abuse.

Who Was Dracula - History and Legend

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

The Legacy of Elena Ceausescu

Intriguing biography but conclusion is serious and damning long after her death:  "The legacy of Elena Ceausescu has been a society unprepared and unwilling to see women enter positions of power. The traditionally patriarchal structure of society itself only re-enforces this. The women who have held positions of influence are few and obscure in the face of Elena Ceasuescu's infamy."

The Government of Romania

A brilliant, full service site.  All the ministries and persons.

NATO Workshop - Vienna - 1998

The President's nearly brilliant speech: "European Security: Legacies of the Past, Challenges for the Future."

The Official Visit to the US - July, 1998

The President's reception by the Americans and his impression upon them was quite remarkable.  I went to the luncheon at the Commonwealth Club and was most impressed.  Meeting with his aides was helpful also.  He was introduced by former Secretary of Defense William Perry with former Secretary of State George Schultz at his side.  I remember when Ceausescu came.  What a contrast! My God!  I have also met Iliescu - and Constantinescu radiates civilized leadership.  Which the Romanians deserve. His speech at the Commonwealth Club follows:

"President Emil Constantinescu at the Commonwealth Club of California, July 20, 1998."  

President of Romania

Background, speeches, official visits.

Parliament of Romania - Extensive Site

Political Parties

Go to this site, scroll down, and click on the sites of all the major parties.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS, THE  EU, AND NATO

Public Debate

Provides a synthesis of news and commentaries in Romanian mass-media about Romania's accession to EU and NATO.

Romania:  The Long Way to Integration

"Every Wednesday, our site provides the latest information about Romania's accession to EU and NATO. We promote an active approach, by providing interviews and analyses signed by our own team. You can suggest debate topics." News, interviews, archives, commentaries.

Romania and NATO:  "Knocking on an Open Door"

US Abassador Rosapeppe, 1998.

US Embassy in Bucharest - Well Done for a Change

Obviously, this is not my favorite US embassy.  Maybe they are "shaping up."

The United States and Romania: A Strategic Partnership

An Address by Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State, Bucharest University, Bucharest, Romania, March 19, 1998.

NEWS

ARTS AND CULTURE

Arts in Romania - A Very Pleasant Page

National Brukenthal Museum

What a wonderful setting. "The National Brukenthal Museum in Sibiu is well-known as an institution of European prestige and one of the greatest Romanian museums. Its collections were constituted by baron Samuel von Brukenthal (1721-1803), governor of  Transylvania between 1777-1787. In 1790 - three years before the Louvre was opened - the collections of Samuel von Brukenthal could be visited. The official opening of the museum took place on the 25th of February 1817; it is the first museum in Romania that has been functioning ever since."

National Museum of Art

"Romania's leading art museum was founded in 1948 to house the former Royal Collection along with those of various other museums in the country's capital. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Romanian art from the early Middle Ages to the present, in as broad an European context as possible."

The Famous Museum of the Romanian Peasant

I spent one of the most enjoyable days of my life in this remarkable museum.  It is not only a museum!  Travel here is a must. Received The European Museum of the Year Award 1996.  

Museum of the Romanian Peasant - Part II

"The Museum of The Romanian Peasant is part of the large family of European Museums for Folk Arts and Traditions. An impressive collection. Its efforts go beyond the door of the Museum: openings, concerts and conferences, and also publications and unconventional ideas, like the Missionary Museum or the Village School, for instance." Includes pottery, costume, textiles, wood, furniture, religious objects collections.

History of the Museum

"The history of The Museum of The Romanian Peasant covers almost a century of restlessness, bringing together times of international praising with moments of obstruction and anxiety related to the very situation in the country."

Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization

Another favorite place.  "Built up between 1963 and 1989, as the most elaborate scientific-documentary and technical collection and archives (pictures,photos, films) dealing with pre-industrial folk technology in Romania. Offers a brilliant demonstration of life and material continuity in this part of Europe."

Romanian Arts - From A to Z

One of the finest comprehensive efforts to focus on the arts.

Romanian Mozart Society

Enter and read, listen. Note the struggles to continue Romania's strong musical traditions.

Romanian Poetry Page

The Romanian Orphans Story
I first discovered by chance the horrible orphanages in the early 1980's.  The sights, smells, sounds of stunning, unrelenting, misery have never left me.

The Future of Children - The Romanian Orphans

 "Unraveling the mystery of the future of Romanian orphanage children: how to get them out of institutions--either returned to their families, or else adopted internationally or adopted within Romania." Truly remarkable Web page and remarkable effort.

Witness:  The History of a Romanian Disaster

"By then there were more than 150,000 children in Romanian orphanages. News reports transmitted around the world showed images of malnourished children lying neglected in dirty cribs. Many of these toddlers, at the age of two and three, still hadn't learned how to talk or walk. Some were dying of infectious diseases. Romanian doctors had been forbidden to acquire medical information   from other countries, thousands of children contracted HIV in a misguided attempt to improve their health through blood transfusions. As a result half of Europe's AIDS effected children, some 2,300, are Romanian. One thousand children have already died from the disease in Romania. "

 The Health of Romanian Orphans in Canada:

 "At the time of adoption every one of the Romanian children was developmentally delayed. Many had eating problems; they either refused to eat solid food or ate too much. They would lie in bed quietly without signalling to their parents that they had  woken up. Researchers concluded this was an adaptation to life in the orphanage where there was no one available to attend to them.

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ROMANIA'S BRIGHTEST LIGHT:  THE ROMANIAN GYMNASTS

Official Romanian Gymnatics Page

Romanian Gymnasts' Biography

Romanian Lovers Alliance

Romania Lovers Alliance is a club of Romanian gymnastic lovers (or people who simply loves Romania); Romania produces the most powerful, most beautiful, and most consistent gymnast in the past and in the present. However, the Romanian gymnasts are often not notice or did not receive the fame they deserved. The all members of the Romania Lovers Alliance are supporters of Romania, our highest goal is to make the Romanian gymnast noticeable to the world.

Classic Comanici,  Comaneci-Conner Vows: Gold-medal gymnasts exchange gold rings.

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D. Parker's Simona Amanar Page, Vaulting Ambitions:  Simona Amanar,  The Best Gymnast in the World:  Simona Amanar

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Gina Gogean's Biography

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 Alexandra Marinescu and her Special Dog, The Official Alexandra Marinescu Web Page

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 Lavina Milosovici:  The Road of a Champion,  The Milo Net:  Dedicated to Lavina Milosovici,  The Lavina Milosovici Page

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Claudia Presacan Biography,  A Tribute to Daniela Silivus

   RUSSIA:    A Future Still Open

 Over the years with all my journeys to Russia and my projects there, and in comparison to today, two personal understandings jump out. Now there is truly freedom with all its problems. The KGB no longer brings me in for scolding or interrogation. The other is that it is now UNSAFE - unsafe because of criminal activity, unsafe to any ordinary Russian who wants to live, be healthy, earn a living, go to school, have a future.  Americans have a peculiar view of freedom because they have always had it.  "Yes, but they are free," we say.  And the Russians value their freedom.  But I wonder how long we would ignore the horrible deprivations that come from freedom quickly attained.  Would we , with equanimity, go hungry, without medical care, watching our children become uneducated and unsafe for 10 long years - with no end in sight?  My mind is filled with rich images of  the USSR.  But mostly it is filled with portraits of the courage and determination of all the Soviet citizens I met and worked with underground, whose husbands and friends were in the gulags.  I never understood how they stood it. I went in and out as an American, protected.  They lived there - unprotected.  And that UNPROTECTEDNESS exists today in full force, having taken new forms.

 SPECIAL PLACES

Alexander Palace Time Machine: A SPECIAL PLACE

Alexander Palace, home of the last Tsar. Tour the Palace Parade Rooms, rooms of Nickolas II, Rooms of Aleksandra, childrens rooms, palace treasures, Faberge, the palace today, history of the characters in the story.

Bucknell Russian Studies: A SPECIAL PAGE

No better source on Russia, done so beautifully by students at Bucknell University.

Nicholas and Alexandra:  The Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia:  A SPECIAL, MAGNIFICENT EXHIBIT

Exhibit from the State Hermitage Museum on tour/online. Exquisitely done.  Nothing quite like it.

Russian Art and Architecture: A SPECIAL PLACE

Sources are outstanding in width and depth.

Soviet Archives: The Best of the Net - SPECIAL ARCHIVES

Vital Library of Congress exhibit. Destiny and life of the Russian people. First time Russian university scholars, students had primary documents to work with, and now Americans can use them also. Translated documents on USSR critical to study of its history.

Treasures of the Czars: A PREMIER WEB SITE

Also located HERE.  One of best sites on Web. Received accolades across Net. Major exhibition. All the history and culture you could wish for. Don't miss "Playground of the Czars."

PANORAMA

I do not know of any country that has more LUCIOUS pages than the following from Russia!
Face of Russia

The PBS series. "Russia's ten centuries tell a tale of enduring ambivalence toward the West in all its manifestations: from ancient Byzantium to contemporary America. From the West came religion, military prowess, radical ideas, architectural forms, art, and music. To the West Russia gave ethereal icons, beautiful art and churches, haunting music, brilliant  prose and poetry, supreme athletes and dancers, and path-breaking cinema. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and its Communist alliance, Russia is again undergoing great changes, attempting to blend traditional ways with ideas from abroad.  
Personal interpretation of Russia's cultural history by one of America's pre-eminent Russian scholars, James H. Billington. Viewers are taken on a remarkable journey through history  to twentieth-century Russia."

Moscow Kremlin 3W Guide

On line Kremlin Tour. The main sights of the Moscow Kremlin. Excellent.

The New Russia

Official Site of the Russian National Tourist Organization. "A visit to Russia today is an encounter with an undiscovered land. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient  cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St. Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk."

On-Line Exhibitions: Wonderful, Creative Site - Such a great place!

Playground of the Czars

Remains one of the finest sites.

Russia Alive

Wide-ranging business and cultural page. The New Moscow.  The Arts, Virtual Reports, Education.

Russia on the Web

Carefully selected major categories.   Information, News, Sites, Russia-West Projects, Business, Culture, Art, Education, History, Language, Literature, Philosophy, Religion,   Society & Politics.

The Russian Dacha Page

"It's late March and the snow begins to melt in Central and North Russia. In the city, snow is already gone. Watching bright sunshine of coming spring and wet bare soil of the lawns, many dwellers of Russian cities and smaller towns begin to prepare for the new dacha season..."

Russian Enchantments

"For nearly one thousand years Russia was the center of  the highly spiritual art of icon painting. The iconist believed that the hand of God was at work. Today a few surviving artists still paint in the tradition and technique of the iconists preserving the faith, hopes and dreams of the Russian people. We believe this art is the Faberge of the nineties because of its increasing rarity. Miniature work is being done by the best artists today."

Russian Feminism Resources Home Page

Arts, Life/Work, Health, Politics, Activism, Academic.  Organizations, projects, contacts.

Russification of Macintosh

Make your Macintosh speak Russian. Follow 4 easy steps and presto, you have Cyrillic text!

Sher's Russian Index

Internet list of lists. If there is more information on any area you wish, click to here. It will be there somewhere!

Trans-Siberian Express

Its the longest rail journey on earth. 6000 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok. Join a photo journey across Siberia. Excellent pictures. I almost took part of this trip. But the first class all-foreigner train from Moscow to St. Petersburg with the grates in the floor for toilets cured me of the urge.

Trans-Siberian Railroad

RUSSIAN STUDIES PAGES

Face of Russia

Cultural and historical information on Russia from 850AD to the present time. Includes interactive time line, reference section and discussion forums.

Russian Sites - From Bucknell

Russian Studies Material - From Bucknell

Soviet Archives Exhibit

Library of Congress provides a milestone: the first public display of the hitherto highly secret internal record of Soviet Communist rule.

Soviet System: From the Soviet Archives

Short pieces on the internal workings, repression and terror, secret police, the gulag, deportations.

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES:
    Today, History, Culture

The Moscow Times - Outstanding

Leading news site. Current.

Russia Today - Excellent News Source

St Petersburg Times

Premier English language newspaper for Russia. Current news - and its extensive archive is crammed with valuable articles and news.

CITIES, TOWNS, PLACES: HISTORY, CULTURE -
   Yesterday,  Today

100 Russian Cities on the Web

Spend a day or two with the Pictures at the Exhibition, in all regions, with film, weather, maps, dictionaries, flags. Award winning site.

City on Neva: Sankt-Peterburg.

Good pictorial tour if you have time for the download.

Gates to the Caucasus -- Rostov-on-Don

Great Site but photos take a long time to download. Magnificent history of this region.

Irkutsk: Capital of Siberia

"Siberia Belies Its Somber Image" is a "NYT" article included with this home page. Wide and free, Siberia and Irkutsk are rich in spirit and culture. I found it a modern city and the territory around it beautiful. Yet, as I was there, I thought of previously trying to help a prisoner of conscience in one of the Gulags,  for any knowledgeable person is aware of the dark shadows of millions of deaths lurking not so far away in kilometers and not so far away in years. Still, any visit to Lake Baikal leaves one with the remembrance that it is the deepest and rarest lake-sea in the world.

Moscow, Capital of Russia - Good Quick Tour of Moscow and Kremlin.

St. Petersburg Web

Virtual Kremlin Tour - Wonderful

World around Baikal

The "Lake" of Russia and its Electronic Magazine.

A "FEW" CZARS

Catherine The Great - NEAT!

Ivan The Terrible

"Ivan IV, know as Ivan the Terrible, b Aug 25, 1530, czar of Russia 1547-1584, He centralised the administration of Russia and expanded the boundaries of the Russian Empire."

Peter The Great

Also, "Peter I, known as Peter the Great, b. June 9 (N.S.), 1672, d. Feb. 8 (N.S.), 1725, tsar of Russia (1682-1725) and the first Russian emperor (from 1721), was an unusually powerful and prepossessing ruler; his military achievements and westernizing reforms of the Russian government, army, and society laid the foundation of the modern Russian state."

Alexander I

"At the end of his reign he left his Polish mistress of 13 years, Maria Naryshkina, and returned to his wife, Elizabeth, who had suffered from his infidelity and neglect for years. He was a troubled and broken man. One fall he and Elizabeth travelled to the south of Russia. There, on November 19, 1825 in the town of Taganrog, it is claimed to have faked his own death, disappearing to become a monk named Kuzmich, wandering the forests of Siberia for years afterward. The Soviet Government fanned the flames of these rumours when it announced his coffin had been opened in the 1920's and was found to be empty."

Czar Alexander III

"Considered Russia's last true autocrat, Alexander III was the epitome of what a Russian Tsar was supposed to be. Forceful,formidable, fiercely patriotic, and at 6' 4" towered over his fellow countrymen. He was the embodiment of the fabled Russian bear. He came to power at a critical point in Imperial Russian history. The Industrial Revolution had finally come to Russia and capitalism was taking root. Foreign investment within the country was at an all time high. His Father, Alexander II was within hours of granting the country its first constitution."

Czar Nicholas II

Life and fall.  Well done site.  And then to here -  and here and here !

Nicholas and Alexandra - The Love Affair that Shaped History

Detailed history.

The Downfall of Czar Nicholas II

Of the most significant things that Nicholas did to "dig his own grave," maybe the most substantial was his resistance to ideas other than his own.

Czar Nicholas II - Center of Controversy

Nicholas II - The Last Czar of Russia

His life and death.

The Gala Coronation Ceremony of the Last Russian Czar

Excellent description.

Clicking Anastasia - From Lost Secrets

Great site, history, internet game.  Look and play. "The family was dead. Were all their secrets? What happened to the Romanov fortune? Was it lost? Or hidden? And if hidden, where? Now two new revolutions -- one of Russian hope and freedom, the other of bits and microchips -- may help solve the mystery. Can you find the Tsar's lost millions? Others are already trying."

My Name is Anastasia

My parents, where I lived, my sisters and brothers, would you believe. "After I was gone a number of curious things happened. Many people went around claiming to be either me, one of my sisters or even Aleksey. A Polish girl named Franziska Schanzkowska - who couldn't even speak Russian - turned up in Berlin claiming to be me! How anyone could have believed her is beyond my comprehension. She didn't look like me at all. Our family rejected her, but a few people who hardly knew me claimed they recognized her to be me. This went on and on for many years.

Central Rasputin Site - Links, Links!

Rasputin: The Real Man and the Cartoon Character

The Life and Death of the Real Rasputin.   Anastasia: The movie and the real princess.

Was Rasputin Real?

"I have paid for them with my blood. I shall be killed. I am no longer among the living. Pray, pray, be strong, think of your blessed family."   Grigory

The Romanov Execution - Central Site

Romanov Timeline - Face to Face with the Czars

Royal Russia

A History of the Romanov Family and the Imperial Dynasty. At its height in the mid-nineteenth century, the empire of the Romanovs comprised more than one sixth of the earth's surface. It was a "whole world, self-sufficient, independent, and absolute"--flaunting the greatest wealth in Europe. Its culture, both rich and brilliant, would continue to shine, decades after the demise of its imperial benefactors. This was the world that ended with the murders of the last of the Romanovs: Nicholas II and Alexandra, and their five children.

HISTORY AND DOCUMENTS

Abdication of Nikolai II, March 15, 1917

Tsar's abdication document translated. "May God help Russia."

Assembly of the Russian Nobility

Ancient assembly with news, history, royal family information.

Beyond the Pale

History of the Jews of Russia.  Important exhibition and material.   The Middle Ages, Development of Modern Anti-Semitism, Jews in the Russian Empire, in the Soviet Union, Nazism and the Holocaust, 1941-Present.

Civil War in Moscow, October '93

Descriptions. Photos.

Chronology of Russian History

Cold War Hot Links

Illustrated History of Russia and the Former USSR.

Best of illustrated histories. Impressive.

Milwaukee Public Museum -- Icons

Understanding them. Icons are central to Russian culture.

Lenin Home Page

The Trotsky Site

Mikhail Gorbachev WWW Gateway - Loaded Site

The Mongol Empire

Exhibition, history, civilization, a "culture of splendor, wealth and beauty almost unparalleled."

Russian History: From Bucknell

Premiere history page. Best on Net for Russian history.

Russian History 1801-1991

Russian History Home Page

A university's Russian Department's thorough and comprehensive history. Read all the important documents in English.

Russian History 1905-30

Russian Revolutions of 1917

Extensive - seems to cover everything.  Probably as much as any ordinary human could know.

Stalin Archive

And then to the Stalin Internet Library.

ART AND LITERATURE

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky

Central site.  Links to all other Dostoevsky pages.  Online writings. To understand Russia, you must read Dostoevsky. Click to biographical information, pictures, text in English of "Brothers Karamazov." Excerpts or entirety from "The Double," "Crime and Punishment," "Notes from Underground," "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man," "The Grand Inquisitor."

Dazhdbog's Grandchildren

Wonderful Russian on Russian culture including daily life, politics, law, economy, literature, music, humor, science, and links.

The Incomperable Bolshoi Theatre, Ballet, Opera

In the early Sixties, the Bolshoi Ballet full corp came to the US.  I went 7 nights in a row and watched Swan Lake 7 times.  My dream was to sit in the Bolshoi Theatre and see it again.  On a cold Christmas Eve night in Moscow in the Eighties, I got my wish. I kept looking up to what had been the royal box, expecting the Czar to rise and clap.  Christmas Eve at the Bolshoi!  History, composers, artists, programs.

Kirov Ballet

To sit in the theatre where Barisnikov and Nureyev danced cannot be duplicated.  I have seen them both outside of Russia - but it is not the same!. Take a look and explore.

Dining with the Czars

An imperial fascination with porcelain.  The services in rich photos.

The Faberge Eggs - Mementos From a Doomed Dynasty

From PBS. What an incredible site.  "In the harsh light of historical hindsight, the Fabergé Imperial Easter eggs can be seen as nothing more than the frivolous indulgences of a decadent monarchy. But stripped of revolutionary ideology, they endure simply as fragile mementos of the doomed Russian dynasty, each not only an artistic masterpiece, but a remarkable reflection of the joys and achievements of a family at the crossroads of history."  And then to the wonderful, wonderful The Faberge  Exhibition - History's Master Craftsman .

Icons: What Are They?

Jewels of the Romanovs:  Treasures of the Imperial Court

Stunning exhibition.

Literature - 3 Favorites

Anna Akhmatova

Anton Chekhov

Boris Pasternak

And Nobel Laureate in Literature here

Pavlovsk Palace Museum

Not to be missed if you go to Russia, but here is a taste.

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

Perhaps THE premier museum outside of the Hermitage.  At least I like it and it is better organized than the Hermitage.  

Russian Art and Architecture: A SPECIAL PLACE

Sources are outstanding in width and depth. What a lovely, breathtaking place.

Russian Art: Index

RUSSIAN ICONS - THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

The finest collection on the Net. Only regret is that there is no collection of Rublov icons as viewed on the Kremlin grounds.

State Hermitage Museum

Here it is. So many hours I have spent wandering the halls in the decrepit buildings filled with history. The collection, news, tours and lectures, history .

   SLOVAKIA: Overcoming a Nasty 60 Years

Newly a nation, about twice the size of New Hampshire, struggling, impeded by its past. Contains some of the worst ecological damage in Eastern Europe. When driving, one must leave the windows shut, regardless of temperature. This half of the former Czechoslovakia contains beautiful places, interesting humans, and the reality that it was the least advanced economically of the former Republic.  The split was bound to occur, but the impact on Slovakia has not been positive.  It has such a long way to go - and its leadership is not the liberal or democratic-speaking types we like to see.  Perhaps most important, it is almost impossible to find a current history that does more than mention the WWII years in two sentences.  No country enjoys initially facing those years, but Slovakia has not begun to confront them.  That reality remains troubling for Slovakia's future.

 SPECIAL PLACES

Using these two fine Web sites gives the reader information about every aspect of Slovakia.  The best history is by city and region clicking.
Slovakian Document Store - Information about Slovak Republic

Does seem to have just about everything from geography and politics to history, photos, language.

Slovensko.Com

About Slovakia , the most CURRENT NEWS, Economy News, Opinion Polls, Business, Photo Gallery, Documents, Links.  All the News that's fit to print!

Slovak Spectator - International Weekly

Current, intensive, very helpful.

 PANORAMA

Administration, Politics, Embassies

Central and East European Legal, Political, Business and Economics Resources

Central research tool. Strong emphasis on government, academic, news, from Albania to the USSR.

Central Europe Online Navigator

Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary, Poland. Daily news, weekly industry reports, travel.

Embassy of the Slovak Republic

Eye of the Beholder - Virtual Tour Around Slovakia

Geography and Natural Resources

Includes a photo tour.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Outstanding English Site.  Slovakia and the EU, NATO, diplomacy, policy, cultural and economic dimensions of foreign policy, documents, treaties. All the important subjects covered.

Our Slovakia

Dictionary, recipes, geneology, tours, slide shows.

Slovakia.ORG  - The Guide to the Slovak Republic

Includes Slovakia Today - A Monthly Review of Current Events, and history, economy, culture, politics, society.  Hosted in Canada.  Very helpful.  The history section is extensive.

Slovak Republic - FAQ

Basic tour that covers everything - if you are traveling there.

The First Unofficial Guide to Slovak Economy

Helpful, but somewhat sporadic.

Slovakia Daily Surveyor

Excellent, news, chat, forum, business, info about the country.

   SLOVENIA:
   Next Best Thing to Western Europe - and THEN SOME

Slovenia is perhaps my favorite place. I flee there from war, sadness, destruction, bombed buildings, refugees, orphaned children, lost families, grinding poverty, sick cancer patients with no place for help, hopelessness, and fatigue.  It is not perfect.  But  it has been spared the War.  There are roofs on all the houses and no bullet holes. And there really is no place like Lake Bled, no place.  The Slovenian Coast differs sharply from the surrounding areas.  The alps are breathtaking.

What more can one want? A green and diverse country that lies between the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian plain, embracing all the beauties of the Old Continent with none of the crowds and dirt. Snow-covered mountains, the loveliest Mediterranean coast, beautiful karst caves, thermal springs, deep gorges created by clear mountain rivers, wide vistas of slow flatland rivers, mountain and disappearing karst lakes, ancient villages and medieval towns, old castles and modern entertainment centers, innumerable vineyards producting top quality and some of my favorite wines, mysterious primeval forests, the famous Lipizzaner horse stud farms. A range of decent to excellent accommodations and genial hosts without the stiffness of some of the "developed" European nations.

The country's biggest problem is making the world aware of its identity.  Worse, it is often lumped with neighboring Croatia.  But the differences are stark.  Quietly, Slovenia has acquired the attributes of statehood and democracy.   Most significant, no bombed-out buildings, sandbagged windows or runaway inflation intrude upon the landscape.

 SLOVENIA, NATIONHOOD, "FREEDOM"
Slovenia as a new nation, born out of the chaos of Yugoslovia, faced, faces challenges and opportunities. New government, constitution, outlook, future. In the mid eighties, I began to read about writers and magazines throughout the world  who were discovering a place I already new.  They wrote with great sympathy about a central European country which could not be included among classically understood communist states in terms of values, concepts of human rights, national income, economic programs.  And then came 1991, one of the peaks of Slovenian history.  

As good as gold, as fit as a fiddle, ... as strong as Slovenian soldier

Open Society Institute - Slovenia

  GENERAL ASSISTANCE
From Ljubljana you can be in the heart of the Slovene Alps in an hour or to the ancient forests in the south.  In few other countries are there such diverse landscapes and natural habitat.

A short vocabulary

Slovene Alphabet

Pronounciation guide.

Current News - Slovenia Today

THE CENTER OF EUROPE
Look at a map. Slovenia is the hub, the center.  It is closer to everywhere else than anywhere else! And quicker, too.  I use it as my core.  I am near it all.  No other country so close that offers the whole spectrum of Europe. Situated along the foothils of the eastern end of the chain of Alps, at the very tip of the most northerly Mediterranean bay, open towards Hungary and the south, a natural hub of European routes from north to south and west to east. It borders Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and has free access to the Adriatic, lying as a geographically and commercially important intersection. Slovenia has a relatively clean and protected environment and the soundest infrastructure in Eastern Europe.

  SLOWWENIA

Slovenia - Resources

Everywhere is only an arm's length away.  230 k to the border from Vienna, 240 k from Budapest.  From Prague, you can reach Slovenia by car in eight hours.  I can reach either the capital or Lake Bled in an hour's drive from Zagreb.  It is very well linked to the world by road, rail, air, sea.  I fly from the capital all over Eastern Europe.  For example, over all the Bosnian mountains to Sarajevo in an hour.

Slovenia's Treasures

"Slovenia - a land of sharp peaks, deep forests, a multitude of small villages and hamlets and a rich variety of waters - would be an appropriate description for this newly independent Central European country. The area of Slovenia covers a mere two hundredths of a per cent of the entire territory of Europe, and one ten thousandth of the planet's land area. There is not much to say in terms of size and population (less than two million), but we can boast that there is not a country in the world where so many diverse natural features could be concentrated in such a small area, a modest 20,256 km2. The geographic diversity of Slovenia's regions, from the 2864 m high Triglav to the Adriatic Sea, from the meadows of the Mura to the valley of Trenta, from the karst of Bela Krajina to the Alpine valley of Logarska Dolina, is probably the most important distinction of our country. Four major European natural units meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinaric range, the Pannonian plain and the Mediterranean. This is the reason why a part of it is mountainous, a part is karstic and a part is covered with forests."

The Lonely Planet

"In the eyes of many a Yugoslavian despot, Slovenia is the golden goose that got away. Rich in resources, naturally good looking and persistently peaceful, Slovenia has been doing just fine (flourishing, even) since breaking away from its Yugoslav owners in 1991. Travellers in search of an antidote to much of Europe's crowds and high prices can, at least for the meantime, consider it their little secret.

Little Slovenia (Slovenija) straddles Eastern and Western Europe. Many of its cities and towns bear the imprint of the Habsburg Empire and the Venetian Republic, while up in the Julian Alps you'd almost think you were in Bavaria. The 2 million Slovenes were economically the most well off among the peoples of what was once Yugoslavia, and the relative affluence of this country on the 'sunny side of the Alps' is immediately apparent.

Except for a brief period in June and July 1991 when Yugoslavia attempted to stop its smallest child from leaving its collapsing nest, there's been no fighting, no war and no terrorism in Slovenia. While Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina became embroiled in the bitterest conflict in Europe since WWII, Slovenes got on with making money and keeping out of the limelight."

GETTING THERE, BEING THERE

Welcome to Slovenia - Slovenian Tourist Board Official Site

How to Reach Slovenia? Click on the Picture to Bus, Train, Air, Sea - and presto, the infor.   Then a multimedia show that takes you around Slovenia: Ethnology, Cultural History, Beauties of Slovenia.  Wonderful pictures of this beautiful country. Check on videos and sound to see and hear.  Maps of regions, airports, border crossings, rivers and lakes, ski centers, mountains, health resorts. Then click on the "Clusters" which show mountains and lakes, the countryside, the coast and the karst.  Next, check the hotels and the ability to reserve online throughout Slovenia.

General Information

Current Consular Information Sheet

Adria Airways - The Airline of Slovenia

Adria is a first-rate, though not cheap, airline that flys all over Europe. Reservations here.

WHERE IS, WHAT IS SLOVENIA?
Someone called it a "downsized version of Switzerland." Another "a Slavic Switzerland."  It is everything that Russia and other post-Communist behemoths are not - small, tidy, uncrowded, successful.  It was the most prosperous republic in the former Federation; and independence means that its 2 milion  people no longer need to share their wealth with their poorer Republic fellows.

Slovenia - Country Information

Interactive map of Slovenia

Superb and clever map. Click to an area. New map comes up.  Then click to town.  And presto!

Large, Excellent Map - Perfect!

Geography
Regional Summary Here:  Regions

TNP-NASLOVNICA-Triglav National Park Map

Triglav: History and Details

Towns and Places in Slovenija

A click to just about any place in Slovenia -but veryyy slow!.

Towns and Regions

Alps

Bohinj, Bled, Bled Through History

One of my favorite area? Triglav National Park, among the largest natural parks in Europe, Lake Bohinj, Slovenias's largest lake surrounded by unspoiled mountains, and at the edge stands world renowned Bled and its lake, a true paradise.

Julian Alps

Scroll down.  " Adrenaline seekers in Slovenia head for three-headed Mt Triglav (2864m/9394ft), the country's highest peak. It presides over the Julian Alps, which cut across Slovenia's northwestern corner into Italy. The Alps are visited by hundreds of weekend warriors, not all of whom are on ambitious treks. Early Slavs believed the mountain to be the home of a three-headed deity who ruled the sky, the earth and the underworld. Since the days of the Habsburgs, the 'pilgrimage' to Triglav has been a confirmation of Slovenian identity. Today Triglav figures prominently on the national flag."
And Then There is BLED! "Bled's quintessentially medieval castle was the seat of South Tyrolian bishops for over 800 years and was later used as a summer residence by the Yugoslav royal family. Set atop a steep cliff above Lake Bled, the castle has great views. A small museum within peeks into the area's history through a manly collection of swords and armour. On Bled Island, at the western end of the lake, is a white 15th century belfry with a 'bell of wishes'. It's said that anyone who rings the bell will get what they wish for; naturally everyone and their Slavic grandmother rings it over and over again. The land around Lake Bohinj, 30km (19mi) southwest of Bled, is undeveloped and exceedingly beautiful, with high mountains rising directly from a basin-shaped valley."

The Karst Region

The Coast: This coastline is the finest, cleanest, most accessible of any on the Adriatic.  Simply the greatest.

Welcome to Slovenian Istria

The Wine Regions

Scroll down.  " Slovenia has been making wine since the time of the Romans, and it now produces many high quality varieties. The country has 14 distinct wine-growing areas, but two of the most important for white wine are just outside the town of Ptuj: the Haloze Hills and the Jeruzalem-Ljutomer districts."

The Home of the World Famous LIPIZZANER STALLIONS

Don't miss the chance when you are in this country to visit these great horses.

 HISTORY, CULTURE, EDUCATION, MEDIA

Ljubljana's and the country's geographical position has governed its colourful past.  A brisk migration of nations flowed through the Ljubljana Gateway.  WWI brought the break with the Hapsburg dynasty.  Austro-Hungary disintegrated and Slovenia joined the new state, the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.  After WWII,  Ljubljana became the capital of Slovenia, one of the six republics of the Socialist Republic of Yugosalvia. Then the people voted for independence and sovereignity on Dec. 23, 1990, and proclaimed their independence on June 26, 1991.  To suggest that Slovenia played no part in the events that catalyzed the Yugoslavian disintegration would be disegenious.  It wanted its independence and its freedom from economic stifling and its reintegration into "Central" Europe.  Its nationalism existed in full force.  But on the scale of things in assessing responsibility..............

The People of Slovenia

Slovenia Today

Top news stories.

Slovenia in Brief

Geography, history, people, political institutions, economy.

Slovenian History

Slovenia After Independence

"Today, in addition is a member of the Organization for European Security and Co-operation (former CSCE), the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, the Central European Initiative, the International Monetary Fund and NATO's Partnership for Peace. It has the status of observer in the parliamentary assembly of NATO and the Western European Union, and has concluded an association agreement with the European Union. Slovenia is aiming for full membership in the European Union and NATO."

 LJUBLJANA

Ljubljana, with only 300,00 inhabitants and thus one of the smaller European capitals, is a great city with a worldly magnitude. With its rich antique and medieval heritage, the Renaissance, baroque, and Art Nouveau facades of its buildings, and the impressive works of the famous architect Joze Plecnik.  Plecnik dressed the capital city with a cosmopolitanism. Roman ruins, a fine University and a splendid symphony, castle, art museums.

Welcome to Ljubljana

Ljubljana

"Ljubljana is a smaller Prague without the hordes of tourists. By far Slovenia's largest and

most populous city, it feels like a clean, green, self-contented town rather than an industrious municipality of national importance. Ljubljana began as the Roman town of Emona, and legacies of the Roman presence remain throughout the city. The Habsburgs took control in the 14th century and later built many of the pale-coloured churches and mansions that earned the city the nickname 'White Ljubljana'. From 1809 to 1814, Ljubljana was the capital of the Illyrian Provinces, Napoleon's short-lived springboard to the eastern Adriatic. Despite the patina of imperial Austria, contemporary Ljubljana has a vibrant Slavic air all its own. The 35,000-something students who attend Ljubljana University keep the city young."

Ljubljana Life

"Welcome to the online edition of Ljubljana Life magazine, the only English language publication devoted exclusively to the unique and fascinating city of Ljubljana, the capital of the small but beautiful European country of Slovenia."

University of Ljubjlana

Ljubljana

Ljubljana Through the History

Accommodation, et. al.:  General Information, Fun, Sightseeing

Stop for a Moment at: Tromostovje (The Three Bridges), Sweiger's house, Joze Plecnik - Masterpieces in Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana

  "LARGE CITIES" - CELJE, MARIBOR, MURSKA SOBOTA

Maribor - Food And Drinks Page

Maribor Main Page
Maribor - Second Largest City

Mestna obcina Murska Sobota

Celje - the Lords' Town
Celje - The Second Ancient Troy
Koper: Largest Coastan Town, Slovene Window to World
Kranj

Fourth largest town in Slovenia and the county town of Gorenjska, at whose geographic center it lies. The medieval part of Kranj spreads between the Sava and Korka rivers, around the parish church of St. Kancian, the most important monument of Gothic architecture in Gorenjska.

SPORTS, HEALTH RESORTS, SPAS
Health spas, great skiing and snowboarding,.  And sailplaneing, parachuting, hang-gliding, balooning.  Sailors, windsurfers, swimmers, river rafting, golf.

WONDERFUL FOOD, WINE, DRINK, AND RECIPES

Recipes for Traditional Food in Slovenia: Potica, Krofi, Buhteljni,Vinska pogaca (wine cake), Struklji, Leg of lamb with cucumbers, Jota, Mushroom recipes, US/UK/metric conversions, Marinated Catfish, A Farmer's Feast from Bela krajina (for 4 persons).

  GOVERNMENT, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, CHALLENGES

Slovenia and the UN

Foreign policy focus on Slovenian strategy.

Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Excellent fp info, speeches, economy, news.

Slovenian Embassy - WDC

International Relations June 2001

Central European Position, Neighbours, Minorities, Migration, Economic Indicators, Country Risk,

Becoming an Independent State, Diplomatic Network of the Republic of Slovenia. "Slovenia's historical tradition, geographic position and close economic ties with the West - which were strengthened even further after the country gained independence in 1991 - all indicate that the future of Slovenia lies in close integration into European organisations and associations."

ECONOMY AND TRADE
 A vigorous Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the commitment as  its publications attest, "Slovenia - Your Partner." I came out of my meetings with them with a Slovenian T-Shirt, cap and book bag - and the understanding that Slovenia is among the most successful in its endeavours to restructure the economy and the companies.    Its per capita gross domestic product is about $10,000 which presents a great problem.  $10,000 is not that much, but it is too much for basic need assistance from international funds and philanthropies - and too little to really move ahead. Its needs are deep and critical, but it gets very little help.  Its highly educated and literate professionals and workers possess business acumen, reliability, ingenuity.

Yellow Internet Slovenia - Rumeni Internet Slovenija

SKBBanka - Slovenia Info (TOC): Economic Outlook

Chamber of Congress and Industry

ZMAR: RS Ministry of Economic Relations and Development

  ARTS AND CULTURE

WOMEN

City of Women - Site for Women in the Arts

 THE SLOVENIAN PRESIDENT

Folks all over Eastern Europe and the US ask me about hope for this area of the world in the future. Sometimes I struggle with the question. Often I am dismayed and occasionally disheartened. I look to the leaders and wonder. And every so often I find what looks like symbols of hope. Such a FIND is in the President of Slovenia. It is imperative for anyone looking for hope and leadership to read the eight selections of this President's recent speeches and interviews. Now, I am not an expert on the current history of Slovenia. I know it is experiencing difficulties and I have recently spent considerable time there and met with many officials and folks. All is not well. But the contents of these eight sights sound like true leadership and hope. Either the President is a remarkable man with as much vision as anyone in Eastern Europe or he has a superb speech writer - or maybe a bit of both. The reader can judge and so can those who know more about the situation. With my "luck," I will wake up tomorrow morning and find he was either a slick character (Kucan was a player in the breakup of Yugoslavia and did assist in the independence engineering planning) or was just voted out of office because he wanted peace and reconciliation.  

The President of the Republic of Slovenia

President Milan Kucan:  Who is He? - Biography

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Press Center:  A Series of Speeches
Press Releases

Public Appearances, Interviews

A FEW FORMER STATES OF THE USSR

I dedicate this specific project to the  45 STUDENTS over the past 6 years in my classes at Foothill from these  following countries. My respect for them knows no bounds.
Why pick these nations? I like to go there and view the changes I have seen over the years, sit with friends and colleagues and listen to their hopes, dreams, depressions. Someone needs to do a careful site on each of the former Republics. Ukraine is vitally important as is Georgia, and of course Armenia. Perhaps my students?

Armenia

Armenia has one of the oldest indigenous cultures of any of the peoples of the USSR. Armenia is also credited as being the first state to establish Christianity as its official religion.
Armenia:  The Past and the Present - Special Essay

Armenia Resouces Page

Central source in all major categories, including current news.

The Armenian Genocide

Basic summary of events, quotes, articles of the time, suggested readings and pictures. "The Armenian genocide of 1915-1916  by the Turks effectively wiped out the Armenian population of Turkey, claiming some 1.5 million victims. Perhaps 75,000 Armenians endure in Turkey today, most of them in Istanbul." The pictures are unforgettable.

Armenian History

"Armenia is one of the fifteen constituent republics of the USSR. The present-day Armenian SSR, located in Transcaucasia, represents only the eastern fringe of the traditional Armenian homeland which extends east from the Euphrates across the mountainous Armenian plateau in eastern Anatolia presided over by Mt. Ararat of Biblical fame. Historic Armenia has also been described as the land of the three major lakes--Van (presently in Turkey), Sevan (in present-day Armenia), and Urmia (presently in Iran).

Armenia Links Guide

The unofficial separist flag.

Armenia From A to Z

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Belarus

Belarus Now

Major information page and bulletin. Politics, economics, finance. Last date, June 1999.

Belarus Subject Index - Large Collection

Belarus Virtual Guide

Some excellent material on history, culture, Chernobyl. Collaboration project among Belarusan scientists working around the world to bring knowledge "of our beautiful homeland in a simple and friendly way." Interesting information on Belarusan history, maps, politics, cities statehood and independence.  Great source for history. "The Republic of Belarus is one of what is called for convenience the former Soviet republics. This country is relatively new to most of the world, and people in the West as a rule only know what rare comments in modern history textbooks can tell them. These comments are mostly related to the years after the 1917 revolution in Russia. However, the independence of Belarus is not occassional and even not the first in its history.  Belarus has its own language, culture, heritage and, of course, history, as does any other country of the world. The reason why Belarus is still generally unknown to the world is that most of its historical facts were hidden or artificially assimilated with Russian and Soviet histories. The current situation in Belarus does not encourage a lot of information about the republic to be disseminated."

History of Belarus (Great Litva)

Good articles about history and heritage.

Belarusan Heritage

Kurpaty

"Kurapaty near Mensk (Minsk) is one of the many places where mass executions of Belarusian civilians were carried out during the Stalin regime (1937 - 1941) by the NKVD . Until the late 80s the Soviet government carefully  concealed this information from the people."

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Ukraine

The largest country entirely in Europe.

Guide to the Ukraine

Maps, history, culture, news. Lengthy history chronology here.

Welcome to the Ukraine - Excellent Links

Virsky Spirit of the Ukraine

Wonderful Web Page dedicated to the famous spirit of Ukrainian folk dance culture. Beautifully done.  Technically first rate. The quick video.

Borsch

"Borshch is the quintessential Ukrainian dish; it's not only the most popular dish in all Ukraine, it's uniquely Ukrainian. Other Slavic cultures and nations may have adopted borshch, but it originated in Ukraine."  And here is a great recipe! 

Ukranian History

Serious, thoughtful essays.  Ancient inventions, Golden Gates, Soviet Era and Occupation, Famine, WWII, Chernobyl and its aftermath, Since Independence.

Ukraine.Com - Your Window to The Country

Culture, business, sports, community, travel. Current news. Photos.

Ukrainian Language and Culture Home Page

Serious resource on history, culture, travel, arts, language, culture, religion, et. al.

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WWII

World War II in Ukraine

The Ukrainian Experience in World War II With a Brief Survey of Ukraine's Population Loss of 10 Million.  Academic article.  "Every Ukrainian family suffered losses in the war and many had victims of both Hitler and Stalin. Perhaps it is significant that out of three of my relatives who were victims of the war, two were shot by Stalin's USSR and one was shot by Hitler's Gestapo. Ukraine has thousands of World War II monuments. Very small villages often have a monument listing the names of the World War II dead. Ukrainian losses probably numbered 10 million or half of the entire USSR total and twenty per cent of the entire World War II total of fifty million dead."

"Both Hitler and Stalin saw the Ukrainian nation as an obstacle to their plans and goals. Hitler wanted Ukraine as German Lebensraum and Stalin feared that Ukrainian nationalism and an independent Ukraine would wreck the Soviet Russian Empire. Both were guilty of war crimes and genocide in Ukraine on such a massive scale that they are virtually unequaled in history. We are not speaking here of thousands, or tens of thousands, or even hundreds of tousands of victims of mass murder. We are talking of millions of Ukrainians killed by both Hitler and Stalin."

The great puzzle is: Did Hitler or Stalin during WW II kill the most Ukrainians? Hitler's crimes in Ukraine have been better documented and are better known. Stalin once said that history is written by the winners. As a victor, Stalin's USSR was able to hide its genocide of Ukrainians. After the war Stalin said that 7 million Soviet citizens died but we know he was concealing the true higher figures. Nikita Krushchev in 1961 set the death toll in the USSR at 20 million and this seems to be a credible and accurate statistic. Recently Moscow has quoted figures of 25 and 27 million. These new figures are either sheer propaganda or are based on new information about Stalin's genocide of Ukrainians and other Soviet citizens during the War."Today all over independent Ukraine there are discoveries of mass murder graves in the suburbs of cities (such as Bykivna in Kiev), and near all the KGB (NKVD) secret police stations throughout Ukraine. The Ukrainian victims of Stalin's Soviet Russia number in the millions. Many Ukrainians are also buried in the mass graves of Siberia. It is unknown how many of these Ukrainian victims of the Soviet system perished during the war years.

The Jewish Holocaust in the Ukraine.  "In 1939 the Jewish population of Ukraine was 1.5 million (1,532,776) or 3% of the total population of Ukraine. When the War started on June 22, 1941 the Soviet Government first of all ordered the execution of all 19,000 Ukrainian political prisoners in western Ukraine (750,000 had already been killed or exiled to Siberia) and then the evacuation of 3.5 million key personnel to the east, to Russia. These evacuees included many Jews who were highly educated, and were scientists, skilled workers, Communist bureacrats, and NKVD secret police. The total evacuated was estimated to be about one-half to two-thirds of the total Jewish population of Ukraine (Reitlinger p. 251)."  
"In 1939 the Jewish population of Ukraine was 1.5 million (1,532,776) or 3% of the total population of Ukraine. When the War started on June 22, 1941 the Soviet Government first of all ordered the execution of all 19,000 Ukrainian political prisoners in western Ukraine (750,000 had already been killed or exiled to Siberia) and then the evacuation of 3.5 million key personnel to the east, to Russia. These evacuees included many Jews who were highly educated, and were scientists, skilled workers, Communist bureacrats, and NKVD secret police. The total evacuated was estimated to be about one-half to two-thirds of the total Jewish population of Ukraine (Reitlinger p. 251)."
"As the German Army swept east across Ukraine it included German Einsatzgruppen with 500 to 1,000 men which were special mobile killing squads ordered to carry out "The Final Solution" of killing all Jews. Ukraine had been the major part of the Jewish Pale of Settlement in the Russian Empire and in the 19th century probably had the most Jews of any country in the world. Within a few days of capturing Ukrainian cities like Lutsk, Zhitomir and Berdichev in the Summer of 1941 thousands of Jews were killed. A total of 600,000 Ukrainian Jews perished. Most of these executions were carried out by the SS Standartfuehrer Paul Blobel who was the officer of the Sonderkommando 4A, Einsatzgruppe C. Only German personnel, no Ukrainians, were members of the Einsatzgruppe C and D which were assigned to Ukraine.
Blobel commanded the killing of the Ukrainian Jews of Kiev at Babyn Yar (Babi Yar) on September 29-30, 1941. Blobel's unit killed 33,771 Jews in less than two days which was not equaled in Auschwitz or any other death camp. Babyn Yar was commemorated on its 50th Anniversary in 1991 by the Government of Ukraine which has also built two monuments for the victims of Babyn Yar. Blobel was tried at Nuremberg and hanged on June 8, 1951 in Landsberg Prison in Bavaria, Germany.
In all the countries of Europe the Nazis found collaborators willing to help in their crimes and Ukraine was no exception. These collaborators were criminal elements who constituted only a tiny fraction of a few thousand in a total population of 40 million. Ukrainians had proportionately the smallest number of collaborators of all 14 East European countries and most of them were caught and executed at the end of the War. All WWII war criminals should be brought to justice.
Moscow saw an opportunity to sow discord in Ukraine and its propaganda accused the UPA, other Ukrainian nationalists and the "Ukrainian" Police of anti-Jewish crimes and other crimes. But the "Ukrainian" Police, (Ukrainische Hilfungspolizei/Ukrainian Auxiliary Police) were often not Ukrainians by origin at all, but represented many nationalities. For instance, Poles, Volksdeutsche (local Germans) and even Russians speaking the Russian language were often called "Ukrainian" Police."

Chernobyl

The Chornobyl Nuclear Accident and it's Ramifications

Central source from several dimensions.

The Ukrainian National Chornobyl Disaster Museum

Quite remarkable.  Covers "everything."

The Great Famine

The Great Famine

Witnesses, pictures, memoirs, the 1998 Seminar.  Exerpts from the book: The Great Famine in Ukraine 1932 - 1933.  Then to Famine-Genocide in Soviet Ukraine 1933:   "Seven million Ukrainians were starved to death. The famine was artificially induced by the Soviet regime. It was an act of genocide designed to undermine the social basis of Ukrainian national resistance. At the height of the Famine, Ukrainian villagers were dying at the rate of   25,000 per day, 1,000 per hour, 17 per minute. At the same time the Soviet regime was dumping 1.7 million tons of grain on Western markets.

Riveting article:  The Scar.  "One sometimes hears from strangers, and even from one's own, that there is too much ado about the recent fifty year anniversary of the famine in Ukraine. They say that half a century has passed, that much has happened in the world, and that the significance of the event should not be exaggerated. Truly, quite a lot has happened and we intend to exaggerate none of it. For us, the famine in Ukraine of 1932-33 remains as the gravest tragedy in the history of our people. The famine and the terror that engendered it destroyed almost one quarter of our population, and with it, the majority of our national potential. We have yet to recognize the magnitude of the scar that this pogrom left on our national organism, and what a major factor it will continue to prove to be in the further development of our history. "Of course, the Soviet Union remains mute about all of these events. Them, no one either speaks or writes about them, as if nothing had ever happened. Those events are usually covered up with glib phrases about the difficulties encountered by collectivization. It is, therefore, not at all strange that the younger generation knows little about the nature of these "difficulties." What is less easy to understand is that, until recently, the free world was also mute about this genocide.

The Artificial Famine/Genocide in Ukraine 1932-33

THE CORE MATERIAL ON THIS HORROR.  Articles, exhibits, articles. "A Man-Made Famine raged through Ukraine, the ethnic-Ukrainian region of northern Caucasus, and the lower Volga River region in 1932-33. This resulted in the death of between 7 to 10 million people, mainly Ukrainians. This was instigated by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and his henchman Lazar Kaganovich. The main goal of this artificial famine was to break the spirit of the Ukrainian farmer/peasant and to force them into collectivization. The famine was also used as an effective tool to break the renaissance of Ukrainian culture that was occuring under approval of the communist government in Ukraine. Moscow perceived this as a threat to a Russo-Centric Soviet rule and therefore acted to crush this cultural renaissance in a most brutal manner. And Revelations from the Russian Archives - Library of Congress Exhibit.

Stunning Eyewitness Accounts of the FAMINE

The Horror of the Famine

"Homeless, starving orphans jam cities in search of food The plight of children during the famine was particularly pathetic. A foreign observer writes: "It was beyond my comprehension... at Kharkiv I saw a boy, wasted to a skeleton, lying in the middle of the street. A second boy was sitting near a keg of garbage picking egg-shells out of it. They were looking for edible remnants of food or fruit. They perished like wild beasts... When the famine began to mount, the parents in the villages used to take their children into the towns, where they left them in the hope that someone would have pity on them."

Prof. M.M. emphasizes that the "NKVD set up a huge concentration camp for children, ("barracks of death" it was called in whispers among the peasants) where about 10,000 children rounded up in the city of Kharkiv were placed. The mortality rate among them reached 40 percent." Thousands of children came to the cities alone, without parents or adults, and various stages of nervous and psychic disorders were noticeable among them. Dr. M.M. quotes typical answers given by children put under observation in the psychiatric clinic during the famine. In reply to the question as to what had brought him to the city, a 7-year-old boy said: "Father died, mother swelled up and could not get out of bed. She said to me 'Go and look for bread yourself,' so I came to the city."

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Latvia

Welcome to Latvia

Another small country's large effort with a site that seems to contain everything. News, business, weather, history, culture, tourism.

Republic of Latvia:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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Estonia

Official State Web Center - Wide Range of Information

Estonian Country Guide

News, politics, government, culture.  Extensive history articles - just keep clicking!

Estonia in Your Pocket

The history chronology is lengthy.

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Lithuania 

Home Page of Lithuania

Lithuania lies in the eastern Europe, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. In the north Lithuania borders with Latvia, in the east and south with Byelorussia, in the south-west with Poland and with the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation.   History, maps, language, people.

Welcome to Lithuania

Culture, geography, history, the works.

EASTERN EUROPE:  PART II: HERE
 The Web Book, Bosnia, Yugoslavia: Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Voyvodina, and the Holocaust in WWII Yugoslavia
Contains the Following "Chapters":

• The New Federal Republic of Bosnia/Herzegovina:  Peace in Our Time? -Bosnia and the Old Yugoslavia
• The New Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
• Kosovo:  The Next Ethnic Cleansing
• Voyvodina:  Making This Province Pure
• The Holocaust in the Yugoslavia of WWII

THIS DETAILED AND SUBSTANTIAL INTERNET BOOK IS PART II OF Eastern Europe:  The Multicultural Arena - and is the most substantial site of its kind dealing with the "former" crisis in Bosnia and Croatia on the Web.

That Web Book is found HERE by a simple click.

Its Table of Contents Follows:

   

    THE NEW FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
    BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

    PEACE IN OUR TIME?:   BOSNIA AND THE OLD YUGOSLAVIA

    THE CHALLENGE:  Keeping "OUR SOULS TERRIBLY SURPRISED" as Emily Dickinson would have asked.

A HORRIBLE EXAMPLE OF
THE KILLING MISUSE OF HISTORY

   THE NEW FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
    YUGOSLAVIA:

SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, KOSOVO, VOJVODINA

KOSOVO: The Next Ethnic Cleansing

VOJVODINA: Making this Province Pure

HOLOCAUST IN YUGOSLAVIA IN WWII

      

Dr. Konnilyn Feig, 1996.  Continuous update.  Last major update, August 2000
Internet Book on loan to Foothill College for Western Civilization Online Courses caught by Dr. Feig.  All rights on copying and using without acknowledgement apply.

                  DEDICATION

THIS CHALLENGING PROJECT IS DEDICATED TO:

The stunning student Teaching Assistants who have assisted the courses and helped catalyze the quality of the student work at Foothill                                       AND

Those remarkable humans across Eastern Europe who have struggled, perserved, grown in stature in the midst of decades of unspeakable abuse; the many survivors of the Holocaust who I have counted as my friends for so many years and to whom I owe so much; and to the 4000 students who have studied the Holocaust, Nazi Germany, and Eastern Europe in seminar with me for 30 years.

WEB ONLINE COLLEGE COURSES

THE WEB WESTERN CIVILIZATION SERIES

Professor Konnilyn Feig, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California

• History 4A- WESTERN CIVILIZATION - ACT I: THE ANCIENT WORLD

  Act I: From Prehistory to the Fall of Rome

  (Fall 2001, Winter 2002, Spring 2002)

• History 4B - WESTERN CIVILIZATION - ACT II:  From the Fall of Rome to the French Revolution

        (Winter 2002)

• History 4C- WESTERN CIVILIZATION: THE MODERN WORLD

  Act III: From The French Revolution to the Fall of the Berlin Wall

  ( Fall 2001)

• History 9 - TWENTIETH CENTURY EUROPE

  (Thematic Focus: Central and Eastern Europe)

  (Fall 2001)

• 4 Quarter Units Each.
• Identical in Content, Rigor, Requirements, Assignments, Exams, to On-Campus College Course
• Fully articulated with all California Universities and transferable to US colleges and universities.

How to Register (It's Easy!)

1. CONTACT FOOTHILL COLLEGE ADMISSIONS BY:
   • Calling the Admissions Office at (415) 949-7112, or 7325, or 7643.
   • Contact the Foothill Global Access Course Home Page
   • Call the key person in Foothill Global Access, Art Turmelle at (415) 949-7614 or EMail him at Turmelle@aspen.fhda.edu.

 Thanks for joining me.  EMail:  thewest@earthlink.net