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Post by aligator on Apr 26, 2006 5:18:03 GMT -5
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Iraq and Vietnam conflicts is the increasingly higher voter turnout in Iraq as new elections are held over time. It is common knowledge that the Iraqis turn out at the polls at a higher percentage than we do in the United States, even though it's much more dangerous for them to do so. In Vietnam,we backed a regime that was in power without the full support of the populace.
Second, there was no debate over a constitution in Vietnam. Those who criticize the speed of the process in Iraq might reflect on how long it took the United States to establish our Constitution without the threat of drive-by shootings, kidnapping, mortar attacks and roadside bombs.
Third, the nature of the insurgency is fueled by an authoritarian, delusional and fanatic sense of religious intolerance. In Vietnam, although atrocities occurred, nationalism was most apparent as the force that drove the Viet Cong. Religious self-righteousness is a far more volatile driver of behavior. In a nation that is striving toward freedom, it doesn't take too many nihilists to disrupt the proceedings.
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