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World

Saigon's sequel: Afghanistan and the failed lessons of Vietnam

16 September 2021

7:14 AM

16 September 2021

7:14 AM

The greatest American defeat of modern times was — until very recently — Vietnam. The fundamental reason for the debacle was clear. As Washington was loath to turn the Cold War into a hot one, it was unable to stem Soviet support for the Vietcong. This left America with a choice: mount a full invasion of North Vietnam or suffer the indignity of a humiliating retreat.

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