A Tale of Two Quagmires: Iraq, Vietnam, and the Hard Lessons of War

by Kenneth J. Campbell

Is Iraq becoming another Vietnam? Author Kenneth Campbell received a Purple Heart after serving 13 months in Vietnam. He then spent years campaigning to get the US out of the war. Here, Campbell lays out the political similarities of both wars. He traces the chief lessons of Vietnam, which helped America successfully avoid quagmires for thirty years, and explains how neoconservatives within the Bush administration cynically used the tragedy of 9/11 to override the "Vietnam syndrome" and drag America into a new quagmire in Iraq. In view of where the U.S. finds itself today -- unable to stay but unable to leave -- Campbell recommends that America re-dedicate itself to the essential lessons of Vietnam: the danger of imperial arrogance, the limits of military force, the importance of international and constitutional law, and the power of morality.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dondie Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not exaggerating. In fact, I wouldn't rated it 5 stars if I didn't learn many things. This book is a direct, indifference and thoroughly compilation of hard lessons by U.S. in its pursue for Imperial Unilateral Power with the means of Unnecessary War.

I like the point where the author introduces school of thought to describe consensus of Vietnam Lessons which will be later used to Iraq.

There's not much jargon here. The author is sincere to inculcate lessons to every individuals.

The book is not much long so to avoid you being bored. It is a straight forward book.

Highly recommended for Political Science like me or those who simply wants it.