Act now

In spite of Chirac's transparent strategy to appear as a "man of steel," surely he deserves the whole world's support in his calls for action now.

We are witnessing genocide, slaughter and the capture of UN "troops" -- all flaunted in the face of the western powers. When the Bosnian Serbs succeed, as they most certainly will, in capturing the remaining "safe" areas Zepa and Gorazde and finally Sarajevo, the western World will reach new lows of shame and degradation unequaled in history. But where is the shame, and who will support Chirac?

Certainly not the "superpower," more focused on direct American interests and with a leader and administration with no grit and no consistent policy (unless on trade).

Certainly not Russia or China, whose immense internal problems take precedence.

Certainly not Western Europe. Germany stays perched on the fence, and the gray man from my own country (UK) and his clones fiddle while the Balkans burn and insist on "diplomacy or nothing".

Certainly not from Southern Europe, where the corrupt fat cats of Greece and Cyprus get rich by sanctions-busting. Wake up Europe. You are there by foolish choice. Do the job now. And prove to the Islamic world that you do care.

Evacuate all UN peacekeepers.

Remove the arms embargo on Bosnia.

Mount a full scale offensive against the Bosnian Serbs with NATO troops under the command of NATO generals.

Keep America out of it. The Balkans are European. American military input would result in a final lack of resolve--witness the unfinished job in Iraq.

Act now or witness the end of European military and political influence forever. And, for those western leaders with a belief in God, make your peace with your Maker because you will be judged on whether or not you stood idly by, after the lessons of World War II, in the face of genocide.

BILL GUERIN

Jakarta