In the Shadows of Utopia: The Khmer Rouge and the Cambodian Nightmare S2 Ep6: The Path to the Second Indochina War - Part Three: Agent Orange, Kennedy and the Buddhist Crisis
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Jul 7, 2022 Delve into the controversial use of Agent Orange by the Kennedy Administration and its devastating effects on both Vietnamese civilians and American soldiers. Discover the collapse of Diem's Regime and the significant role it played in escalating tensions. The Buddhist Crisis becomes a focal point, highlighted by the self-immolation of a monk that ignited protests. Explore the complex political landscape of Vietnam and Cambodia, culminating in a coup and shifting leadership, as the region hurtles toward a turbulent future.
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First Herbicide Test
- In 1961, a C-47 plane, typically used for transport, was employed to spray herbicides like dinoxol and trinoxol over Route 13 near Saigon.
- This marked the beginning of Operation Ranch Hand, a defoliation program using Agent Orange, initially seen as a 'chemical counter-insurgency tool'.
Agent Orange as a Microcosm
- The adoption of Agent Orange reflects the US approach to the Vietnam War under Kennedy.
- It aimed to contain communism at any cost, even with unforeseen consequences.
Dioxin's Devastating Effects
- Agent Orange, a herbicide mix used in Operation Ranch Hand, contained dioxin, a persistent organic pollutant.
- Dioxin caused severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and epigenetic impacts across generations, affecting millions of Vietnamese and US personnel.
