US, Vietnam Building Military Ties

[Archangel]

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

I am curious what the FOGs think about this. Also, our SE Asian contingent.

With mixed emotions & skepticism...

"A lot of suffering has been put on the Vietnamese people. That's why we would like to put behind us the past and look forward to the future."

The intention is noble, but he puts his money where his mouth is & start with the Human Rights issue over there.

In addition, he said, "the history of Vietnam for thousands of years has shown that there has never been a religious conflict in this nation.

Is he kidding?

http://www.buddhistinformation.com/thqudc.jpg

[vsvo]

I agree with Archangel.

Most people of my parents’ generation, who fought the war and eventually were forced to flee the country, hate the Communists to the core. The anti-Communist movement is very strong in the States, and consists of not just old-timers, but younger folks who share the same ideology. Some of these people curse the former refugees returning to their homeland to visit family they haven’t seen for 20 to 30 years, and label them Commie sympathizers. I just can’t muster the same fervor and hatred as a guy who grew up here since he was 5, but I still oppose the Communist regime. My parents donated money to that group planning the protest in front of the White House.

Things have definitely changed. A Vietnamese guy I knew when he was a mid at USNA is the XO of USS Gary, which docked in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year. Like Archangel, I am just very skeptical of Vietnam’s motives. It wants full entrée into the global economy, with the attendant influx of capital and investment, yet wants to maintain its Communist regime. Apparently, Prime Minister Khai is saying the magic words, “fighting terrorism,” as a password for entry. That wouldn’t have been good enough 15 years ago without a regime change, but in the current climate I guess it is.

[vsvo]

By terrorism, Khai was referring to violent anti-government activists rather than al Qaeda or other radical Islamic organizations, which are not known to have a presence in Vietnam.

You mean like your own citizens who oppose Communism and want freedom and democracy?

[Archangel]

Originally Posted by vsvo

You mean like your own citizens who oppose Communism and want freedom and democracy?

I was thinking the same thing. I wonder if the defination of "terrorist" bears the same meaning for both Vietnam & the US.

Khai: We must unite & destroy the terrorist!

US: Yes definately. We will support you with weapons, money & even soldiers!

Khai: Great! Please send your Special Forces in to destroy the terrorists in front of my palace.

US: What terrorist? You mean the civilians holding that peaceful demonstration on labor rights?

Khai: Those are terrorist! They are a threat to our way of life! They must be destroyed!