Iraq, Vietnam, and the Limits of American Power

Nonfiction, History, Middle East
Cover of the book Iraq, Vietnam, and the Limits of American Power by Robert K. Brigham, PublicAffairs
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert K. Brigham ISBN: 9780786731732
Publisher: PublicAffairs Publication: July 22, 2008
Imprint: PublicAffairs Language: English
Author: Robert K. Brigham
ISBN: 9780786731732
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Publication: July 22, 2008
Imprint: PublicAffairs
Language: English

Since the first days of the Iraqi invasion, supporters of the war have cautioned the public not to view this conflict as another Vietnam. They rightfully point to many important distinctions. There is no unified resistance in Iraq. No political or religious leader has been able to galvanize opposition to U.S. intervention the way that Ho Chi Minh did in Vietnam. And it is not likely that 580,000 American troops will find their way to Iraq.

However, there are two similarities that may dwarf the thousands of differences. First, in Iraq, like Vietnam, the original rationale for going to war has been discredited and public support has dwindled. Second, in both cases the new justification became building stable societies. There are enormous pitfalls in America's nation building efforts in Iraq as there were in Vietnam. But it is the business we now find ourselves in, and there is no easy retreat from it morally. As American frustration increases, some policy makers are making the deadly mistake of approaching problems in Iraq as if we are facing them for the first time. It is crucial that we apply the lessons of Vietnam wisely and selectively.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since the first days of the Iraqi invasion, supporters of the war have cautioned the public not to view this conflict as another Vietnam. They rightfully point to many important distinctions. There is no unified resistance in Iraq. No political or religious leader has been able to galvanize opposition to U.S. intervention the way that Ho Chi Minh did in Vietnam. And it is not likely that 580,000 American troops will find their way to Iraq.

However, there are two similarities that may dwarf the thousands of differences. First, in Iraq, like Vietnam, the original rationale for going to war has been discredited and public support has dwindled. Second, in both cases the new justification became building stable societies. There are enormous pitfalls in America's nation building efforts in Iraq as there were in Vietnam. But it is the business we now find ourselves in, and there is no easy retreat from it morally. As American frustration increases, some policy makers are making the deadly mistake of approaching problems in Iraq as if we are facing them for the first time. It is crucial that we apply the lessons of Vietnam wisely and selectively.

More books from PublicAffairs

Cover of the book Angry White Men by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Lords of Secrecy by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Keeping At It by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Radicals Chasing Utopia by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Champagne, Uncorked by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book The Child Catchers by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Chief of Station, Congo by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Sundays at Eight by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Death Penalty on Trial by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Legends of the Plumed Serpent by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book The Invention of Yesterday by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book The Chastening by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book We Are As Gods by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Living with Guns by Robert K. Brigham
Cover of the book Reagan's Disciple by Robert K. Brigham
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy