AS THE SUMMER of 1996 wound down, Muslims, Croats, and Serbs were still rooting through the debris of high-rises and smoldering houses for firewood, canned food, and any other salvageable items that might have enhanced their chances of survival. One Muslim man, combing the rubbled streets of Sarajevo, found a toy tank and gave it to his little boy as his only birthday present, the irony escaping them both. Those returning to their homes embraced those who had stayed behind and sobs of anguished reunion usually followed. Often where their homes had been only brick shards and broken glass remained. Seldom did they find all the people whom they had left.

But at least the shooting had stopped and most people could venture outside without fear of...