Without Honor: Defeat in Vietnam and Cambodia, Updated Edition

This book, first published in 1983, provides a detailed review of the end of the Vietnam War, relying on eyewitness reporting and research to reconstruct the war's last years and harrowing final months. It also examines the largely unremembered wars in Cambodia and Laos and points out troubling parallels between the Vietnam War and America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

In a revised and updated second edition, this book, originally published in 1983, offers a comprehensive examination of the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Drawing on the author's firsthand reporting and extensive research, the book relies on meticulously documented facts rather than partisan myths to reconstruct the war's final years and harrowing final months. The catastrophic suffering inflicted upon ordinary Vietnamese civilians and soldiers is vividly portrayed. Additionally, the largely forgotten wars in Cambodia and Laos are explored, and a new final chapter highlights concerning parallels between the Vietnam War and America's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Introduction:
The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, was a significant conflict that had a profound impact on the region and the world. The war was fought between the communist forces of North Vietnam and the non-communist forces of South Vietnam, supported by the United States and other allies. The war was marked by intense combat, widespread destruction, and a large number of casualties on both sides.

Review of the Second Edition:
The second edition of this book has been revised and updated to include new information and insights into the war. The author has conducted extensive research and interviewed a wide range of individuals who were involved in the conflict, including soldiers, civilians, and political leaders. The book relies on carefully reported facts rather than partisan myths to reconstruct the war's last years and harrowing final months.

Catastrophic Suffering:
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the vivid portrayal of the catastrophic suffering inflicted upon ordinary Vietnamese civilians and soldiers. The author describes in detail the brutalities of war, including massacres, torture, and the use of chemical weapons. The book also highlights the devastating impact of the war on the environment, with widespread deforestation and pollution resulting from the use of military tactics.

Unremembered Wars:
In addition to the Vietnam War, the book also examines the largely unremembered wars in Cambodia and Laos. These wars were fought in parallel with the Vietnam War and had similar consequences for the local populations. The author highlights the similarities between these wars and the Vietnam War, including the use of military force, the targeting of civilians, and the devastating impact on the environment.

Parallels to Iraq and Afghanistan:
The final chapter of the book points out troubling parallels between the Vietnam War and America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The author argues that the lessons learned from the Vietnam War have not been fully applied to these conflicts, and that similar mistakes have been made in terms of military strategy, civilian casualties, and the use of force. The book calls for a more thoughtful and responsible approach to foreign policy and conflict resolution.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the end of the Vietnam War. The author's use of carefully reported facts and extensive research allows for a nuanced understanding of the conflict and its consequences. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Vietnam War and its impact on the region and the world.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476686356