AFTER a remarkable uprising, the Yugoslavian people were today waiting to see whether their new-found freedom would last. The overthrow of dictator Slobodan Milosevic heralds a new Balkan era, one that is still shrouded in uncertainly. Pictures of the anarchy in Belgrade are another reminder of how fortunate we are to live in the stable, wealthy part of Europe. In fact, we are so comfortable that we find time to worry about the bendiness of our vegetables.

If Serbia prospers, one day it may have the luxury of employing someone to check the arc of every cucumber. But that will not be high on the list of its people's aspirations today.