Heroes with Flaws.

The recent conviction and sentencing of General Gotovina at the Court in the Hague for war crimes have been met with protests in Croatia, which some commentators have condemned. What the critics have failed to realize is that, for all the misdeeds, General Gotovina and the late President of Croatia, Franjo Tudjman, are regarded by most Croats as heroes, who achieved independent, sovereign statehood for their country. Many great historical figures have had serious defects and bloodstained records; a balanced judgment shouild surely also admit their patriotism and success.


Michael B. Buck.