American moral framing, not strategy, drove its anomaly in the Bosnian war

Evidence

American idealism, moralism, humanitarian instincts, naivete, and ignorance concerning the Balkans thus led them to be pro-Bosnian and anti-Serb. At the same time the absence of both significant American security interests in Bosnia and any cultural connection gave the U.S. government no reason to do much to help the Bosnians except to allow the Iranians and Saudis to arm them. By refusing to recognize the war for what it was, the American government alienated its allies, prolonged the fighting, and helped to create in the Balkans a Muslim state heavily influenced by Iran. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 799 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Yugoslav wars shifted European moral judgment against ethnic expulsion — Manuel Borutta and Jan C. Jansen, Vertriebene and Pieds-Noirs in Postwar…, 1115; Good intentions without strategic interests shaped a harmful US policy in Bosnia — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 799; American empire required a moral narrative to justify Middle East interventions (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Good intentions without strategic interests shaped a harmful US policy in Bosnia #corroborates (0.95) — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 799