Suchergebnisse

The lessons of the Vietnam War for the US's military involvement in Iraq are pondered. After contemporary critics of the US-led coalitions overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime are criticized for promulgating emotional arguments against US occupation of Iraq, it is contended that Congress' decision to eliminate funding for the Vietnam War prevented the South Vietnamese forces from defeating North Vietnam. The author's experience as a member of the House of Representatives & as Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War is recounted to encourage current Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to cultivate closer relations with Congress & to promote greater public & government support for Iraqi self-determination. It is contended that the Bush administration's reliance upon faulty intelligence as justification for military action against Iraq is symptomatic of the unpredictability of warfare; moreover, it is stressed that Islamic fundamentalism, similar to communism during the 1960s, is a significant threat to Western democracy & that President Bush must articulate this message despite its apparent political incorrectness. Additional advice regarding the formation of a legitimate Iraqi government, the punishment of high-ranking officials associated with violating the rights of prisoners of war, balancing the humanitarian & political costs of war, & ensuring support from the USs allies is also bestowed. J. W. Parker