SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: LindyBill who wrote (229339)11/27/2007 11:49:18 AM
From: D. Long  Read Replies (2) of 794159
 
I've been doing research on the occupation of Japan the last two weeks, and the parallels to Iraq are striking. It really was a close-run thing, actually, with the Soviets and Chinese competing with us for domination of the islands. Our position there was not assured, and there were even some elements in the military and political circles that were calling for the U.S. to abandon Japan and withdraw our forces from the strategic "liability" of the Japanese islands.

We made a critical error in disbanding the Iraqi government staff and military. Part of the strength of the Japanese occupation was the fact that we had a native government to work through. Even then, after five years the Japanese were getting tired of us. Contrast that with Germany, where there was no government, and the occupation took a decade and cost immeasurably more in treasure.

BTW: for fellow history hounds, perusing the State Department's Foreign Relations of the United States volumes is pure bliss.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2026 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News