Differences between war in Iraq and Vietnam?

Answer 1

Vietnam was the second "hot battle" of the cold war (communist vs free world). Korea was the first. Korea was won; the communist's were stopped at the 38th parallel by an armistice, still in effect today. Vietnam was lost to the communists. Vietnam was (as was Korea) supported by Communist China and the Soviet Union. Both of these wars had to be fought as "limited wars' (with boundaries) so as NOT to envolve either Communist China or the Soviet Union DIRECTLY, as had occurred during the Korean War. North Vietnam, as North Korea, WWII, WWI, etc. involved the fighting of a nation (country) which consisted of a government with a national flag, an army, navy, and air force. The U.S., and it's allies were trying to defeat the above "nations (countries)" by the "force of arms'' (military force), commonly called WAR. Currently, the U.S. and it's coalition, is NOT fighting a war against the country of Irag. There is no flag to capture. Irag is a POLICE ACTION in which stability is trying to be established. The dictionary describes a police action as, "...a relatively localized military action...against insurgents... held to be violating international peace and order."

Answer 2

WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, were fought against another nation; involving those other country's Air Force, Navy, and Army. In addition, negotiations for peace or surrender was communicated with those war's governments.

Operation Iraqi Freedom began as a war to oust Saddam, as it was conducted against his country & military. Since the US's successful toppling of Saddam's regime, the conflict has degenerated (or evolved) into a "Police Action", in which violence and disorder has become widespread by the use of criminal activities: e.g. terrorism & insurgency. The results of which have been the "Wanted Dead or Alive" broadcasts, arrests and convictions, and executions of the guilty parties. None of whom are eligible for protection, under the laws of war.

Similar military operations as above, concerning the US, have been: The Philippine Insurrection of 1900, which proved to be bloodier for the US than the Spanish-American War of 1898, which had spawned the Philippine Insurrection. And during the 1960's during the crisis in Santo Domingo (The Dominican Republic), which had to be put down by the US Marines.

The US is not at war with Iraq.

The US WAS at war with Germany in WWII.

The US WAS at war with North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The US WAS at war with the Confederacy during the US Civil War.

Answer 3

Like WWII, the Vietnam War was fought between nations. No nation is AT WAR with the country of Iraq. The US is AT WAR with the criminal elements within that nation: terrorists; and is trying to establish law, order, and stability to Iraq.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, before the Vietnam War, as you know it, Vietnam was still embroiled in war. Another words, before the Vietnam War, there already was another war in Vietnam...the 1st Indochina War (also called the French War). And before the French War was the Japanese occupation during WWII...which was a guerrilla war fought against Imperial Japanese occupation forces (supported by the US/Allies).