The Croatian War of Independence ended with the success of Operation Storm on August 7, 1995. Less than five months later, Bill Hanne found himself part of the Democracy Transition Long Range Management Program and packing for Zagreb. With his background in military intelligence, plus graduate degrees in political geography and education policy and planning, Dr. Hanne brought a unique perspective to the job. Interweaving the political and historical narrative with moving personal stories of a courageous and proud people, Hanne also shows the reader a country of stunning physical beauty and spiritual depth. Today, with Croatia and the Balkans at the crossroads of Western and Middle Eastern cultures, Hanne's observations are more relevant than ever.