Introduction
The Bosnian War (1992-1995) was a conflict between the three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. It was a devastating conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 people, the displacement of millions, and the destruction of much of the country’s infrastructure. The war was a result of the dissolution of Yugoslavia, which had been a multi-ethnic state. As the conflict escalated, it became increasingly clear that the Bosniaks were suffering the most from the war. This article will explore the reasons why the Bosniaks were the group that suffered the most during the Bosnian War.
Reasons for Bosniak Suffering
Ethnic Cleansing
The Bosnian War was characterized by a policy of ethnic cleansing, which was a strategy used by the Serb and Croat forces to expel the Bosniak population from areas under their control. This was done through a variety of methods, including forced removal, mass killings, and the destruction of Bosniak homes and villages. This resulted in the displacement of millions of Bosniaks from their homes and the destruction of much of the Bosniak population’s cultural and religious heritage.
Lack of International Intervention
The international community, particularly the United Nations, failed to adequately intervene to protect the Bosniak population during the war. This failure allowed the Serb and Croat forces to continue their policy of ethnic cleansing with impunity. The lack of international intervention also prevented the Bosniak population from receiving much needed humanitarian aid, such as food, medicine, and shelter.
Siege of Sarajevo
The Bosniak population was also the most affected by the siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from April 1992 to February 1996. During this time, the city was subjected to a brutal campaign of shelling and sniping by the Serb forces, which resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and injuries. The siege of Sarajevo also resulted in the destruction of much of the city’s infrastructure and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
Conclusion
The Bosnian War was a devastating conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 people and the displacement of millions. The Bosniaks were the group that suffered the most during the war, due to a policy of ethnic cleansing, the lack of international intervention, and the siege of Sarajevo. The Bosniaks continue to suffer the consequences of the war to this day, with many still living in displacement and poverty.
