Laos-The+Forgotten+War

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== Laos-The Forgotten War

April 17, 1962
== America is in the middle of full-fledged war with Indochina (Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia). The war has been in full effect for already 1 year. There seems to be no end in sight as the bloodshed continues. In the midst of all this, the people of Indochina grow stronger as we drop tons of bombs a day. Americans only see a war with Vietnam yet there is another war going on between the United States in the small country of Laos. == == The country of Laos is only 91,429 square miles.That is almost the size of the state Michigan. If you count how many bomb we dropped over Laos, it would probably be enough to give every citizen of the country 1 bomb. Today in Laos we dropped over 5 tons of bombs in a span of 5 hours. The people in the small village of Muong Sing say they have no fear of the United States bombings and that they will keep fighting until they get freedom in their land. Many villagers wonder why the United States is attacking this small country that is as small as one of its states. If you ask an American, they would probably tell you that their country is fighting for you and your people not to have a communist government in your homeland. As the war rages on, the people of Laos have great expectations for their small country. They believe they will win this war if they keep fighting with determination and the thought of a better future in their minds. == == At this point nobody knows exactly how many people have been killed in Laos. Many villages are being burned down by explosives and the villagers become homeless. Some of the homeless join the war effort on the side of communist Laos.As these villages are being destroyed and innocent people killed, it looks like the people of Laos will gain much support from countries who oppose acts of violence like this. Tons of bombs are being dropped over Laos everyday, killing even more people. This is boosting the war effort in favor of the Lao citizens. == == Why is the U.S at war with Laos? Laos is a part of Indochina and was subject to falling to communism if we did not interfere. The northern part of Vietnam was controlled by a communist leader who had the support of Laos. As we declare war on Vietnam, we also declare war on Laos. == == What has happened as a result of the bombings? Laos has grown a stronger hatred towards America and an even stronger will to keep fighting. The bombings boosted the morale of the small country and kept the war going. The villages stay united and have the goal of the country in mind. This goal is to become independent and live life the way they want to. Continued bombing of this country will only keep the war going. == == The Loa government has had the most success thus far in the war. This small country is holding its own against the U.S. It has gained the support of many communist countries including China and The Soviet Union. In the long run, the Lao citizens will continue to fight the Americans with determination and aid from communist countries. They will not stop fighting until their country is free and under no control of the United States. Laos and its allies will win this war. == == If this war continues, The failure would most certainly go in favor of The United States. Its millions of tons of bombs dropped, excessive spending of money for the war, and loss of faith in the government by U.S citizens. If the war comes to an end not in favor of the U.S, They will have to figure out a reasonable explanation to give its citizens. == == No side in the war is willing to pack up and leave the war alone. All countries involved are fighting for very important causes. Either to gain independence or to prevent communism in the world. Either way there seems to be no end in sight to this once said “short war”.When the war started, the United States pictured this war only lasting a few months.The war has been in effect for 1 year already. Its pretty obvious that nobody could have pictured small countries like Vietnam and Laos creating so many problems for the U.S, but they have. With no end to the war in sight, Laos has already accomplished something that many countries are scared to do, and that is stand up for what they think is right. All we can do is pray that it ends as quick as possible and the bloodshed stops.media type="youtube" key="D-PwYOesYEo?fs=1" height="385" width="640" ==