Word: asia
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...past two editorials have considered the role of the United States in the Indochinese war and the possibilities of a negotiated peace. Yet no commentary on the war is complete without discussing what the other states of Southeast Asia can do to prevent the capitulation of the entire area to Communism...
...comparatively defenseless. Nor can they contribute to a balance of power or serve as a "third force." Instead, they must seek safety in numbers. The results of this drive for security are regional organizations such as NATO and the Organization of American States. But no such arrangement exists in Asia...
Today, Southeast Asia is riding the crest of a wave of nationalism. The years since the second World War have seen the shattering of colonial bonds and the emergence of half a dozen sovereign states. Balanced between the Soviet countries and the West, these Asian powers fear for their national lives. Experiences of the past make them sharply opposed to imperialism; yet, though none are pro-Communist, not all are directly opposed to Communism...
...highly risky from both a military and a political point of view. For any such settlement would mean de facto recognition of the Communist Viet-Minh government, which has previously been only an outlawed guerilla band. A move of this kind would give tremendous impteus to Communist propaganda throughout Asia, and it would immeasurably increase the prestige of Red China as the self-styled protectors of Asian nationalism. Equally important are the military considerations. Unchecked by any external authority, the Viet-Minh could arm again to cross the border and resume the war at will...
...perhaps overly-optimistic to believe that a settlement such as the one outlined here could ever be effected. But the only other solution, a divided Indo-China, would leave Southeast Asia perched atop a political powder...