Vietnam in Iraq

The Vietnam War has exerted a considerable influence over US foreign policy, its method of engagement, and its sense of credibility, military tactics and overall strategic initiatives since 1969. A series of studies on the lessons of Vietnam were conducted and implemented into US strategy and tactics on regional intervention. Over the decades each administration crafted a particular form of intervention. Over time the Weinberger principles that evolved into the Powell Doctrine broadly guided US intervention tactics. The Bush administrationÂs intervention in Iraq in 2003 departed significantly from the accumulated lessons acquired since the 1970s. Though Vietnam has been a frequent point of reference in regional conflict, various facets of that war have returned with even more frequency and persistence both within the United States, Iraq and elsewhere. This new book comprehensively: examines the impact of the Vietnam analogy on the War in Iraq assesses the military tactical lessons that were learned from the Vietnam War scrutinizes the broader strategic lessons and the US concern with their credibility in fighting Âground wars explores the influence and persistence of VietnamÂs legacy in US politics, culture and diplomacy and its ability to continue to exert influence on WashingtonÂs tactics reflects on the impact of US foreign policy on Vietnam and Iraq.