Former U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michael Murphy, has criticized the long-standing Western approach to the Western Balkans. He argues that the strategy, which centers on resolving the status of Serbia as a key to regional stability, has fundamentally failed. Murphy believes this approach operates under the false assumption that solving issues related to Serbia will automatically resolve problems throughout the entire region. He suggests a new strategy is needed, implying the current one is based on an “illusion”. The assessment comes amid ongoing political tensions and complex dynamics in the Western Balkans. The statement was originally published on Sarajevo Times. It indicates a growing sentiment that a reassessment of Western policy toward the region is necessary.