Michael J. Wahl of Houston, TX asks:

Does Mr. Poplasen's victory mean that the Serbs are rejecting peace?

Steven Walker responds:

Good question. Clearly, some Bosnian Serbs were voting against Dayton and against reconciliation by voting for Poplasen. The long term effects of years of nationalist propaganda and the Karadzic regime are clearly seen. Others may have been voting against Plavsic, whom they saw as someone who had staked out a reputation as a fervent nationalist, then turned on Karadzic and befriended the West. Even though she did little or nothing in practical terms to implement the key provisions of the Dayton Accords, some saw her as a traitor or at least too close to the West.

Most people in Bosnia feel insecure since the war, regardless of which side they were on. They have not learned to trust each other as they did before the war, in part because the nationalists have denied them the chance, especially by blocking refugee returns. As a result, many people have voted for nationalist politicians, since they promise to protect their own kind from outside threats. Others, who may have voted for some moderates, may have voted for Poplasen as "insurance."

The challenge for the West is to undertake some dramatic steps in the coming weeks and months, especially with regard to refugee returns, to demonstrate that people can live together again, as they did for centuries. The nationalists will be repudiated and politicians who have real ideas about the real problems all Bosnians face -- adequate housing, jobs, schools, etc. -- will have a real chance in future elections.