Losing Interest: Our Bosnia Policy, then and now

APRIL 1, 1993 “We have a national interest in limiting ethnic cleansing.” — President Clinton

APRIL 16 “I think we have an interest in standing up against the principle of ethnic cleansing … This is not just about Bosnia.” — Clinton

MAY 1 “There are, of course, issues of conscience and humanitarian concerns … But fundamentally, our actions are also based on the strategic interests of the United States.” — Secretary of State Warren Christopher, after Clinton agreed in principle to air strikes

MAY 6 “We do have fundamental interests there … ” — Clinton

JUNE 3 “Bosnia involves our humanitarian concerns, but it does not involve our vital interests … ” — Christopher

JULY 21 “The United States is doing all it can consistent with our national interest.” — Christopher, on the decision to do nothing about the imminent fall of Sarajevo