In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare S2 Ep5: The Path to the Second Indochina War - Part Two: The CIA, NLF and Diem
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May 27, 2022 Explore the intricate web of U.S. involvement in Vietnam during the early 1960s. The podcast reveals how Diem's oppressive policies laid the groundwork for insurgency. Discover the CIA’s early attempts to stabilize South Vietnam and the troubling realization that Diem may not be the ideal leader. The narrative also highlights the paradox of escalating military engagement despite growing doubts. Uncover the local perspectives on the National Front for the Liberation's operations and the impact of authoritarianism in the region.
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Kennedy's Early Views on Vietnam
- John F. Kennedy, as congressman, visited French Indochina in 1951 and questioned French colonialism.
- He recognized the Vietnamese people's lack of motivation to support the French Empire.
The Paradox of Vietnam
- The "paradox of Vietnam" describes Kennedy's escalation despite his private doubts.
- He recognized potential US involvement would resemble another colonial power.
Johnson's Early Concerns
- Lyndon Johnson, after visiting Vietnam in 1961, advised against large-scale US military intervention.
- He foresaw the potential of a protracted and costly guerrilla war.
