Sep 18 2007
Similarities and Differences between Vietnam and Iraq
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By Horace Coleman
9 Sep 07
Reason for conflict
Vietnam
∙ Did not want communism to spread in S.E. Asia. Proxy war between U.S. and Soviet Union; extension of Cold War. China has common border with N. Vietnam; did not want expanded Western involvement in S.E. Asia (their “backyard”). U.S. imperialistic ambitions; disregard for welfare of non Caucasians / non Christians.
Iraq / Afghanistan
∙ Revenge for 9/11 (although Iraq had nothing to do with 9 / 11, we emphasized subduing Iraq over stabilizing Afghanistan).
∙ Didn’t like Saddam Hussein (his Kuwait invasion threat to U.S. oil supplies).
∙ Reduce Iraq’s influence in region. Hussein claimed Kuwait was slant drilling into Iraqi oil fields. Afghanistan critical transportation route for oil.
∙ Depose Hussein.
∙ U.S. imperialistic ambitions (expand bases and presence in the Middle East.
∙ Disregard for welfare of non Caucasians / non Christians.