Media Image Analysis: American Involvement in the Balkans
Letters to SSG Chris Tjaden, US Army, Bosnia
By: Charles Lewis
English 110
Dr. Karen McFarland
December 7, 1998
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
October 26, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris,
The other day while I was reading through the latest issue of Sabre, I found out that 2-5 Cavalry deployed to Bosnia in September (Division 1). You could have at least sent me an E-mail before you left. Anyway, Rosanne and I phoned your home back at Ft.Hood and spoke at great length with your wife. She and the children are fine. I think that Angie just wanted to talk with someone who knew you well and knew a little of what your life is like in Bosnia. She is greatly concerned for your welfare. I was surprised to find out that your camp is the only one that doesn’t have E-mail and that you have to wait a week at a time to get a pass to go to Sarajevo to phone home without having to pay for the call out of your pocket. I am sorry to say that I was unable to thoroughly answer all of her questions; as I guess I have been too long removed from active duty and am out of touch with the real world situation. We, the American people, aren’t cognizant of the sacrifices that our military members make to safeguard our freedom.
Anyway, I realize I am no longer current on world affairs. As you go through your day, you get intelligence briefings and updates; and you probably know more now about what is really going on in the Balkans than any politician or news reporter. I am feeling a little left out. So, I started to do a little research to bring myself up to date on the military and political situation in the Balkans. I have found very little coverage in the local press. This is not a “my backyard” issue. Unfortunately, our local paper, The Quad-City Times, won’t pay attention to our increasing military presence in the Balkans until some local kids get killed over there. I have been reading through recent, popular news magazines--Time, US News & World Report, and others--looking for articles on Bosnia and Kosovo. I will be sending you some of the articles that I find along with a little analysis of the content. I hope that you share them with the other troopers. I am interested to learn if the slant the national print media puts on the news from the Balkans is fair or truthful. I would appreciate it if you could take some of your valuable time and let me know what is really going on over there.
Black Knights,
Charles
P.S.Don’t forget to wear your flack jacket! CEL
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
November 2, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris,
Tomorrow is Election Day. I hope you had the opportunity to vote by absentee ballot. These aren’t the good old days when we had Ronald Reagan to vote for; however, there are still a few good Republicans left. According to the poles, Governor Bush is going to walk away with the election back in Texas. And, with luck his brother Jeb will take the Governorship of Florida. I know that you all, being on active duty, are prohibited from commenting on the (lack of) character of our current president. But I am sure that you are not happy with the image he presents to the world. As my mom says, “Why doesn’t he do the right thing and resign?” Even if we are stuck with that lying, pot-smoking, philanderer for two more years, we can begin to work to get his retinue–Al Gore & Company–out of Washington in 2000.
I started reading on Bosnia and the Balkans. I found an article from last week’s (26 Oct. 1998) U.S. News & World Report entitled “The Killing Fields of Kosovo” which was written by Fouad Ajami. The article is on the Commentary page at the back of the magazine. The title is in large, bold type. There is a picture of Serbia’s President Slobodan Milsevic and a quote inserted in the middle of the text. This is a standard ploy to attract readers to the person or event that is central to the commentary. This article is not aesthetically appealing. It requires reading in depth, not just at a glance. The content is exceptional. Let us examine the words and the images which they convey.
The article begins, “There is a mantra in the Balkans that has, in the fullness of time, come true: “The Yugoslav crisis began in Kosovo, and it will end in Kosovo.” The circle had to be closed.” The use of the word mantra denotes mystical potentialities. The author tells of Mr. Milosevic in 1989 standing at the site of the Serbs greatest defeat by the Turks six centuries ago, vowing that Kosovo would always be Serb territory and stirring up Serbian nationalism. This was effectively the beginning of the war in the Balkans–expansion of Greater Serbia. The article goes on to state, “[Milosevic] has brought the Serbs nothing but darkness and failure.” The situation in Kosovo is described as a “Gordian knot.” And, an exceptional series of phrases is used to describe the historical context of Serbian nationalism and their apparent decline into self-destruction:
In the legend of the Serbs, their history is one of martyrology and self-sacrifice where the “kingdom of heaven” was always preferable to the “earthly kingdom”–hence, the nihilism at the heart of that history (40).
What is nihilism? It is not only the common assertion that “It doesn’t matter; and what if it did.” The sinister connotation is the second definition according to The American Heritage Dictionary: “Rejection of all distinctions in moral or religious value and a willingness to repudiate all previous theories of morality or religious belief” (Nihilism). The simple explanation is that the Serbs will do whatever it takes to get what they want. They used to want Bosnia, and may still do. Now they claim Kosovo; even though the Serbs comprise only 10% of the population.
Chris, be careful. Be very careful.
God speed,
Charles
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
November 10, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris,
Today we had a cold front come through town. The wind blew at least 50 miles an hour; and I lost power at home for about two hours. As I scurried in and out of my warm truck, I found myself thinking about you being up in the mountains of Bosnia. I wonder: is it already snowing? Wet, cold, and scared–that’s what I remember about the Christmas that I spent on the Czechoslovakian border.
Anyway, I found an article in U.S. News & World Report from last Christmas dated December 22, 1997which is entitled “A Bosnian Christmas Story.” The article, written by Richard J. Newman, is in the first news section of the magazine. I believe that this being the Christmas issue the editor looked for a heart-wrenching, feel-good article to put in the front of the magazine. The title is in large, bold type. The first paragraph is in double-sized, double-spaced, bold type: it draws you into the story. The article begins by stating that more than 130,000 U.S. service members will be spending (spent) Christmas away from home. And then it goes on to tell the story of how one man is making (made) a difference. Perhaps you remember my Squadron Executive Officer from 1-7 Cavalry, Major Mark Littel? The author tells the story of how (now) Lt. Colonel Littel, the Commander of 2-2 Cavalry, “sent an E-mail message to about 50 friends, with a holiday wish: donations of supplies for the dilapidated schools in the war-ravaged region his unit patrols.” He described the situation saying, “I have never seen a need so great” (11). The message bounced around the Internet. Individual people and groups began to send their contributions. Beneath the first paragraph, a photographshows soldiers in BDUs handing out school supplies which were sent to Bosnia as Christmas gifts from America,demonstrating what one man can do if he only tries.
I know Lt. Colonel Littel. We spent many exceptional times together as well as more than a few desperate ones. I can remember him kneeling devoutly during mass and then addressing someone as everything imaginable other than a child of God moments later. The good works that he accomplished would be difficult to duplicate; however with your religious faith, I know that in some small way you too can contribute to the peace in your patrol sector. I know this is no consolation; but I hope that you and your soldiers know that you are appreciated by at least one lowly civilian: me.
God Bless in this upcoming Christmas Season,
Charles
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
November 16, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris,
Last Wednesday was Veteran’s Day. For the first time since I retired I had the opportunity to attend the Army’s observation of the holiday at Rock Island Arsenal. I stood in the NationalCemetery with other veterans as the Army and the American Legion rendered honors to our fallen comrades. It is important that we remember those who fought for our country. It is even more important that you keep your head down so you and your soldiers don’t join them. This might be a depressing thought. So what. Burying another friend is even more depressing. The title of the article that I chose this week contains the phrase “dig in.” That’s exactly what I want you to do: dig in.
The article, “Bosnian Serbs Dig In”, was written by Phillip Smucker for U.S. News & World Report. The publication date was October 5, 1998, and the article is in the World Report section towards the back of the magazine. It only occupies about 2/3 of the page. The title is in large, bold print at the top and there is a photograph of the bridge over the river Drina at the bottom right. The story tells of the changes which have transpired since the 1992-95 war: “Gone are the mosques, which were obliterated by the Serbian forces... .At night, spotlights shine on a renovated Orthodox cathedral, leaving no doubt about who is in control.” The author paints as an ominous portent the recent elections in the Serbian held areas:
NATO peacekeepers may now face an indefinite stay in Bosnia. The Western Alliance’s forces–originally sent to separate the warring factions and give the country a year or two to heal–have become bogged down in a mission to keep Serbs and Muslims from going back to war (45).
I know that the Army promised an eight month stay. It appears that the Serbs, the people in your sector, are digging in for the long haul. Be prepared. I suggest that you and your soldiers do a little digging in at least for as long as you and the First Cavalry Division have to stay in Bosnia.
Most concerned,
Charles
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
November 23, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris.
I hope that you are well. I haven’t received an answer from you yet. I truly know that your time is precious. Have you been able to speak with Angie lately? I must be honest and tell you I am sitting fat and happy, warm and secure in my 92 year-old home. It is by your efforts and the efforts of the myriad of other soldiers like you that I have freedom to enjoy such luxuries. Thanks.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, today my boss, Doug, and I delivered food baskets for St. Anthony’s Church. This ongoing charity provides over 700 families with the foodstuffs for their Thanksgiving dinner. I imagine you are doing something similar within your patrol area.
Again, I found another article. This one is also not very pleasant. It was written by Massimo Calabresi for TIME. The publication date was January 19, 1998. The title is in bold type and there is a photo of a Serb soldier holding back Kosovar demonstrators at gun point. The reason that I chose this article is that it details the account of how a region in Kosovo has become quasi-independent from the Serbian dominated federal government. There is effectively a new war brewing in the Balkans. And again, your Serb buddies are the aggressors.
The author describes the locals homes as “resembling modest forts” and tells the story of how rebels (local militia) drove the Serbs from the village, goeing on to say:
[T]he shadowy Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) has rallied to the region and patrols its rural roads by night. Intentionally or not, the area around Vojnik has been made Kosovo’s first ‘no-go zone’ for the Serb regime and the center of a growing war of independence from Serbia (42).
There were attacks on Slovenia. There was a war against Croatia. There was a war in Bosnia that still is unresolved. Gee, I think you should know that better than any of us do. And now there are the rumblings of a war in Kosovo which might spread to Macedonia. To be blunt, the problem with a new war in the Balkans is that you are already over there. Were you not already deployed in accordance with the Dayton Peace Accord, it would literally take an act of Congress to get our Army deployed to the Balkans for more than 90 days. However, because you are there, Mr. Clinton has your lives at his disposal, and I particularly doubt his judgment.
Keeping you in our prayers,
Charles
SFC (Ret.) Charles Lewis
204 Dixwell Ct.
Davenport , IA52802
November 30, 1998
SSG Chris Tjaden
B Trp, 2-5 Cav, 1CD
NATO Peacekeeping Force
Brcko, Bosnia
Dear Chris,
As I write, I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the letter. I haven’t received a letter marked “Postage Free” since the ones I got from my cousin, John, during the Viet-Nam War. Why hasn’t the Army gotten its act together enough to provide your camp with E-mail yet. I am seriously thinking about writing to both of our Congressmen in order to make it happen.
Well, as you know, I have been reading up on the continuing crisis in the Balkans. After having read over thirty articles in recent, popular news magazines, I have found what I believe to be the truth: no one cares. I wrote in my first letter to you that I found very little coverage in the local press because this isn’t a “my backyard” issue. I have come to believe even the national media won’t pay particular attention to our increasing military presence in the Balkans until American kids get killed over there. The stories make good copy. One appears on the Commentary page at the back of the magazine and screams, “Boy I’m really outraged.” Another one is toward the front of the magazine. It’s the Christmas issue and it’s a really cute, tear-jerking article. The next article appears in the World Report section again at the back of the magazine and is more anecdotal than factual. And, the last article also appears at the back of the magazine on the guest editorial page.
You might wonder why, if no one cares, did these magazines publish anything on the Balkans. It’s the same reason they publish articles on natural disasters and train wrecks: death and mayhem sell magazines.
Write again,
Charles
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abramowitz, Morton. “A Disaster in the Making.” Newsweek. June 15, 1998: 39.
Ajami, Fouad. “The Killing Fields of Kosovo.” US News & World Report. October 26, 1998: 40.
“Bosnian Choice is a U.S. Loss.” US News & World Report. September 28, 1998: 10.
Calabresi, Massimo. “Kosovo Smolders.” TIME. May 11, 1998: 37-38.
Calabresi, Massimo. “The Next Balkan War.” TIME. January 19, 1998: 42.
Cavoli, Cpt Stephen J. “Banchee Pride Floods CampDemi!” THE PEACEKEEPER. September 1998. 3. November 14, 1998
“Clinton Has Big Job Selling Congress on Bosnia.” The Christian Science Monitor. December 19, 1997. 1. February 18, 1998
“Division Happenings.” Sabre. August 1998: 1.
Filipovic, Vanja. “The Show Must Go On.” This Week in Bosnia-Hercegovina.August 19, 1995.2. Bosnia Action Coalition. January 14, 1998 <
“The Fire is being Rekindled.” The Economist. March 7, 1998: 55.
Gartenberg, Sharon Machlis. “Into a City of Suffering.” Middlesex News. April 14, 1995. 7.Rpt in This Week in Bosnia-Hercegovina. April 1995. Bosnia Action Coalition. January 14, 1998 <
Gartenberg, Sharon Machlis. “Voices From Sarajevo.” This Week in Bosnia-Hercegovina.April 1995. 6. Bosnia Action Coalition. January 14, 1998<
Hamilton, Lee H. “Tipping the Bosnian Balance.” The Christian Science Monitor.September 26, 1997. 2. February 18, 1998<
Hottelet, Richard. “Kosovo Conundrum.” The Christian Science Monitor. October 14, 1998.2.November 2, 1998 <
“Key Provisions of the New Peace (Bosnia) Plan.” Reuters. November 21, 1995. 2. Nando.net. February 2, 1998 <