Miro Kopčalić rarely comes to Motovun nowadays. Most of the time he is in Tar close to Poreč on the Istrian coast. It took us a while to start a conversation on the hotel terrace this afternoon, but we came to the stockmarket crisis soon enough. I was rather cautious with my views about the uncertain times ahead, for few people in these parts share my pessimism, but he had no qualms about his gloomy expectations. “The only thing that can save us now is a new beginning,” he declared. “And World War III is the only way out of this financial mess!” Taken aback by his dim view of the world, I did not say much either way, but I listened to him carefully. “America will start the war,” he continued, “but it will be its last.” At this point I just nodded vaguely. I was fascinated by his clarity, though. “The war over,” he concluded, “the survivors will have a clean slate.” I only wonder how many people around the world share Miro’s uncompromising views.