Bosnia-Herzegovina: A Major Military Layoff

The Bosnian army announced Jan. 11 that it is laying off 2,750 soldiers who are either over 35 or have served for the maximum of 15 years. Those soldiers will be replaced with younger recruits. The move is economically driven, as Sarajevo is struggling with economic troubles exacerbated by the recent recession and anticipating an expensive general election in nine months. However, the cuts will damage the country's only functional multiethnic institution and drive newly unemployed soldiers toward other pursuits.