Vietnam war - Research Paper Example

Vietnam War A critical reflection The Things They Carried, by Tim OBrien gives a clear picture of the pathetic situation in which the American soldiers fought during Vietnam War as explored by the young American soldier who is drafted into the army and serves during the Vietnam War. The epicenter of Vietnam War is to date considered as the Battler of Khe Sanh.This is the historic bloody point of Vietnam War that marked the turning point of United States foreign policy and handed the communist North Vietnam a win over the south (OBrien 67). A summary analysis of Siege of Khe Sanh indicates that it was a strategic military organization and combat base for the US from 1962. It occupied northwest section of South Vietnam which was considered demilitarized and guard point to Ho Chi Minh Trail. This means that Khe Sanh was targeted by General Giap who was the North Vietnam army leader as the United States marine also held it as of great importance in managing the war. The North Vietnam were close to victory against US when On February 25th, one patrol lost 9 dead, 25 wounded and 19 missing in action. President Johnson officially withdrew US troops on 5th July with significant challenge to convince the world that they had defeated the North Vietnam (Rottman and Duncan 72-4).
There are critical factors that Historians need to capture when investigating this war. This is as a result of the conflicting historical findings from different researchers. The facts and figures presented on the number of casualties especially the United States marine shows significant inconsistency with what actually happened. This is because united States were making attempts to satisfy the conscience of the people that it won. On the other hand, it was evident that the overwhelming tactical pressure and sustained combat by the North Vietnam Army forced them to own up (Rottman and Duncan 112-7). It is therefore important for the historians to carry out in-depth investigation on the total personnel deployed by the United States and the number that were eliminated or maimed for life. This would help give a true picture of the loss United States incurred in the entirety of war. Economic consequences United States suffered as it sustained the war at its overall overhaul of foreign policy change should be the standpoint of how devastated it was after the War (Prados and Ray 75). The epitome of the bloody war requires narration of an observer or participant for which one young soldier as presented in The Things They Carried, by Tim OBrien gives a better literature.
Overall analysis of the war shows that United States lost in all aspects. They spent in the war without any benefit as they finally withdrew and their mission to advance capitalism was thwarted by the communist North. The North Vietnam exposed the foreign policy loopholes and its cost to United States and this was resonated through US citizenry protest against the war (Hagopian 81). This explains the idea that war should be the last resort in resolving cross boundary issues. It requires resources and its benefit may not be achieved as was the case with United States in Vietnam. The environment and general work condition of US military personnel was pathetic and this shows some of the weak points that cost United States the war.
It can be concluded that military tactics and publicly supported foreign policy is critical in international relations. Research findings on the war portray significant omissions by historians as far as presentation of actual facts and figures in the entire event is concerned. However, combined observation from various sources explores the fact that United States lost the war and suffered significant socio-economic and political costs.

Works Cited
Hagopian, Patrick. The Vietnam War in American Memory: Veterans, Memorials, and the Politics of Healing. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 2009. Print.
OBrien, Tim. The Things They Carried: A Work of Fiction. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990. Internet resource.
Prados, John, and Ray W. Stubbe. Valley of Decision. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 2004. Print.
Rottman, Gordon L, and Duncan Anderson. The Us Army in the Vietnam War 1965-73. Oxford: Osprey, 2008. Print.
Rottman, Gordon. Khe Sanh 1967-68: Marines Battle for Vietnams Vital Hilltop Base. London: Osprey Pub, 2014. Internet resource. Read More