As you say, an air of despondency now hangs over corruption- and crime-ridden Croatia (“A Balkan State in Balk,” April 18, 2009). Indeed, the country was glum when it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization earlier this month. Chances are that it would be no less glum had it simultaneously joined the European Union, as well. Perhaps the only reason why NATO membership had not caused serious rumbles in the country is that it was opposed by Slovenia, just as the EU membership has been, on account of a mind-boggling border dispute. Croatians begrudgingly accepted the former membership for the same reason they would accept the latter at this juncture: out of sheer repugnance toward Slovene opposition. Which is why some political pundits in the country are now wondering whether Slovenia is actually in cahoots with the great powers so as to assure the integration of Croatia into Europe. Why such cunning? The second-richest bit of ex-Yugoslavia, Croatia may be the key to the rest of the wobbly Western Balkans.