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April 30.2025

2 Minutes Read

US Interventions: Why History Repeats Itself in Afghanistan and Palestine

US Interventions History Repeat: split-screen interview discussing refugee crises.

The Shadow of History: Lessons Not Learned

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Nguyen lent a unique perspective on the repetitive patterns of American interventions across global conflicts. Drawing parallels between the Vietnam War and contemporary U.S. military involvements in Afghanistan and Palestine, Nguyen underscored a disturbing tendency: the U.S. often seems to repeat its historical misjudgments instead of learning from them. His experiences as a Vietnamese refugee bring a personal touch to his commentary, illustrating the human cost of these foreign policies.

In 'Pulitzer winner Nguyen to Al Jazeera: US repeats Vietnam mistakes in Afghanistan and Palestine,' the discussion dives into the historical context of U.S. military interventions, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.

America’s Hubris: A Cycle of Intervention

Nguyen's viewpoint is clear: U.S. leaders have consistently misinterpreted the lessons of Vietnam, framing interventions as noble endeavors. This perspective, he argues, overlooks the reality that American interventions in countries like Afghanistan have resulted in chaotic withdrawals and humanitarian crises reminiscent of the fall of Saigon. The emotional imagery of desperate crowds at Kabul's airport hearkens back to the 1975 exodus, accentuating the shared feelings of abandonment experienced by locals in both situations.

The Colonial Legacy in Global Affairs

For Nguyen, identifying as a Vietnamese American is steeped in contradiction. "We wouldn't be here without colonialism," he states, connecting the dots back to the U.S.'s historical support for colonial powers. This ongoing engagement with colonial practices continues into modern geopolitics, particularly in the U.S. relationship with Israel. As he argues, the parallels are stark; both scenarios speak volumes about America's historical alignment with oppressive regimes, revealing a broader pattern of complicity in global injustices.

Engaging with Nguyen's insights challenges readers to think critically about America's role on the world stage. As the U.S. reflects on its foreign policies, especially in conflict-ridden areas, acknowledging these repeated missteps could pave the way for a more informed and compassionate approach to international relations.

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US Interventions: Why History Repeats Itself in Afghanistan and Palestine

The Shadow of History: Lessons Not Learned

America’s Hubris: A Cycle of Intervention

The Colonial Legacy in Global Affairs

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