Outside world chooses new flag for Bosnia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bosnia's feuding Muslims, Croats and Serbs were unable to agree on a new flag for their divided country yesterday, so the outside world chose one for them. Carlos Westendorp, the International High Representative for Bosnia, stepped in after the internationally-imposed deadline expired for Bosnia's parliament to choose one of three designs.
Flags, number plates and coats of arms are the stuff of wars in Bosnia, where the three communities cling passionately to their national symbols - an eagle for the Serbs, a fleur-de-lys for the Muslims and a chequerboard for the Croats. Mr Westerndorp's flag rides roughshod over the old icons of statehood; his design is a yellow triangle with a line of white stars on a blue background. "The triangle represents the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and the blue and the stars represent Europe," his spokesman said.
The flag will be used for the first time by the Bosnian team competing in the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, this weekend.
- Marcus Tanner
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments