Iraq Is Not Vietnam

by Jim Cox
by Jim Cox

Last year I added another 15-item list of comparisons between the US experience in Vietnam, and that of the current war in Iraq. With yet another year behind us, here is Part IV of that comparison for Iraq, 2003–2007 and Vietnam, 1965–1969:

1–15	Iraq is not Vietnam
16–30	Iraq is Not Vietnam, II
31–45	Iraq is Not Vietnam, III
`	Item	Iraq 2003–2007	Vietnam 1965–1969
46	Phenomena of homeless veterans?	Yes	Yes
47	Attempt to pay for war without tax increases?	Yes, during first five years	Yes, during first four years
48	Military leaders complain of lack of martial spirit among domestic allies?	Yes	Yes
49	Troop deaths in 5^th year?	Higher than in the first two years	Higher than in the first two years
50	Diplomats refuse postings to country?	Yes	Yes
51	War has the effect of empowering a neighboring enemy?	Yes, Iran	Yes, Cambodia
52	Costs in constant dollars?	$510+ billion (so far)	$670 billion (total)
53	President demands that we "stay the course" despite lack of anticipated progress?	Bush, 2005	Johnson, 1967
54	Fear of leaving?	Yes	Yes
55	Special term to dehumanize victims?	Hajis	Gooks
56	Area of greatest resistance?	Sunni Triangle	Iron Triangle
57	Notable General warned against war?	Norman Schwarzkopf	Douglas MacArthur
58	Large number of refugees leaves the country?	Yes	Yes
59	President secretly visits troops?	Yes, 9-3-07	Yes, 10-26-66
60	Bombing campaign meant to demonstrate to the enemy that resistance is futile?	Shock and Awe	Rolling Thunder

So, what is the difference between Iraq and Vietnam? Answer: Whatever the differences, the most similar war to Iraq in U.S. history, is, in fact, Vietnam!

March 12, 2008

Jim Cox [send him mail] is an Associate Professor of Economics and Political Science at the Clarkston Campus of Georgia Perimeter College and the author of The Concise Guide to Economics and Minimum Wage, Maximum Damage.

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