"I wasn't always a sheep herder, but after the war you just had to find something to do"

The Balkan issue is a complicated one that is multi faceted. Bosnia and Albania are the only countries in Europe to embrace Islam and remain Muslim after the ottoman Turks were pushed back and defeated (and on the other side Arabs who made their way all the way into France). Yugoslavia was a bastion for communism and persecution of Christians for 50 years. To this day Bosnia and Albania are major centers for arms exports to Islamic militants in Asia. I wouldn’t be so quick to send these people money. In the states while I appreciate the counter to the black and non white latino violence which plagues our countries, Albanians here are heavily involved in crime and engage in mafia activity. Of course I choose that to the black and Mexican violence and immigration but it is still a problem that harms communities.

/r/travel Thread Parent Link - i.imgur.com