Religion kept US married to Vietman conflict [View All]

[dArKeR]

Seth Jacobs suggests that the US' long and bloody involvement in Southeast Asia was mostly about Christian fundamentalism

By Bradley Winterton
CONTRIBUTING REPORTER
Sunday, Mar 06, 2005,Page 18

In the 1950s there were three prominent Asian leaders who were also Christians -- Taiwan's Chiang Kai-shek (???), South Korea's Syngman Rhee and South Vietnam's Ngo Dinh Diem. This excellent book tells the story of how the US became involved so deeply in supporting the last of these men.

But before looking at what it has to say about him, it's important to explain just what is Seth Jacobs' ruling theory.

Jacobs believes that religion played a far greater part in American involvement in Vietnam's affairs than has hitherto been realized. Asia was perceived by the policy-makers on Capitol Hill as an area about to be taken over by atheists, Communists receiving their orders from the godless citadel of Moscow.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2005/03/06/2003225763