US intervention in Laos and Cambodia from "summary" of Killing Hope by William Blum
US intervention in Laos and Cambodia was marked by covert operations, bombings, and military support for anti-communist forces. In Laos, the CIA orchestrated a secret war to prevent the Pathet Lao, a communist group, from taking control. The US military conducted extensive bombing campaigns in Laos, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. The US intervention in Cambodia was tied to the Vietnam War, as North Vietnamese forces used Cambodia as a base to launch attacks into South Vietnam. The US sought to disrupt these operations by bombing Cambodian territory and supporting anti-communist forces. The bombing campaign in Cambodia was kept secret from the American public and Congress, leading to widespread criticism and protests when it was eventually revealed. Both Laos and Cambodia became caught up in the broader geopolitical struggle of the Cold War, with the US viewing communist forces as a threat to its interests in the region. The interventions in Laos and Cambodia were part of a larger pattern of US intervention in Southeast Asia during the Cold War, where anti-communist sentiment often took precedence over the well-being of the local populations.- With widespread civilian casualties, environmental damage, and political instability. The legacy of these interventions continues to be felt in both countries, with ongoing social and economic challenges stemming from the conflicts. Overall, the interventions in Laos and Cambodia serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Cold War politics and the dangers of unchecked military intervention.
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