Economics matter! The ignorance of the opposition in Belarus

The national opposition in Belarus is making a crucial mistake: It is underestimating the importance of the economy. Instead of concerning itself with the country's real economic problems - problems which represent a threat to independence - it is fighting over national symbols and noble ideals. It is thus failing to win over to its side entrepreneurs and factory employees, who have a mundane but real interest in an independent Belarus. If the opposition wants to win its struggle for freedom, it must not just squint at Ukraine with envy and lament the historical weaknesses of the Belarusian national movement. It must forge a broad coalition along the lines of the Ukrainian example.