South Korea: The Striking Parallel

SOUTH KOREA

In terms of America's role in Asia, a series of striking parallels exist between South Viet Nam and South Korea. Both are segments of former colonies—one French, the other Japanese—divided arbitrarily north from south between Communist and free regimes. Both were invaded by their northern neighbors at the urging of Red China; both were—and still are—defended by the U.S. The Korean War ended with a negotiated truce that left 50,000 U.S. troops permanently on station in the south to prevent any subsequent Communist aggression. Those who think that the U.S. position...

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