Iraq/Viet Nam

Is Iraq a second Viet Nam? Yes, in some ways it is. On the home front there is the danger that the leftists are going to create an atmosphere that erodes public resolve to the point that victory seems out of the question.

Iraq and Viet Nam also bear some similarities with regard to the nature of the struggle. We were/are fighting an enemy with no respect for borders, even as we allowed/allow the borders to prevent us from efficiently executing plans that would completely discomfit the enemy. Our failure to put boots on the ground in North Viet Nam were the result of our fear of broadening the struggle with the Chinese. This approach nearly guaranteed that we would be bogged down in a quagmire. If we allow the borders with Syria and Iran to act the same way, we are destined to fight a struggle with an unending stream of terrorists.

The key to winning the Battle of Iraq in the War on Terror is to serve notice to the real enemies of freedom and democracy in the area, Iran and Syria, that we are going to hold them responsible for the atrocities that occur in Iraq. If we launched a missile every time a suicide bomber struck, how long do you think it would take for Iran and Syria to put a lid on the whole so-called insurgency?

We need to remember that this is a war. If we want to win and bring freedom to the region then we are going to have to recall why we lost Viet Nam and not allow the liberals force us to make the same mistakes again.

Will this policy be implemented? Probably not. It is a shame we no longer have the courage of our convictions.

For a great book on the Viet Nam War, check out Triumph Forsaken, by Mark Moyer.