USA victories in Japan, South Korea, West Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Italy, France, etc all resulted in democracy, civilization and excellent economic development. USA losses in Vietnam, North Korea, Lebanon, East Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, resulted in economic backwardness, repression, suffering and a long period of darkness.
Only Japan & Germany qualify for consideration IMO. The rest we helped by evicting (or defending against) unwanted occupation. Unfortunately, in Iraq, we are the major unwanted occupation. Both Germany & Japan were very advanced nations prior to WWII. IIRC, their arms, from naval to aircraft were on the same level as our own. Their militaristic view of the world was what was at odds with our view. Our view at the time was rather unmilitaristic. Fast forward to the 21'st Century and draw some conclusions. |
