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Why did the U.S. support the Khmer Rouge government in Cambodia when it was threatened by Vietnam?

A. Most Cambodians did not want the Vietnamese-supported government.
B. The government Vietnam supported in Cambodia was communist.
C. Moderate elements of the Khmer Rouge were trying to establish a democratic government.
D. The U.S. did not know about the Khmer Rouge's genocide.

Answer :

Final answer:

The U.S. supported the Khmer Rouge to counter Vietnamese influence during the Cold War, believing it represented a lesser threat. This decision was motivated by geopolitical strategies, domestic sentiments, and a lack of awareness of the Khmer Rouge's violent actions. The bombing campaigns in Cambodia further destabilized the area, aiding the Khmer Rouge's ascent to power.


Explanation:

U.S. Support for the Khmer Rouge

The United States supported the Khmer Rouge government in Cambodia when it was threatened by Vietnam for several reasons:

  1. Geopolitical Strategy: The U.S. wanted to counter the spread of communism, particularly from Vietnam, which was backed by the USSR. The U.S. viewed the Khmer Rouge as a lesser evil compared to a Vietnamese-backed regime.
  2. Domestic Sentiment: Many Cambodians opposed the Vietnamese-supported government, which influenced U.S. perceptions and actions in the region.
  3. Ignorance of Genocide: At the time, U.S. officials were largely unaware of the atrocities and genocide being committed by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot's leadership. Thus, they mistakenly believed that the Khmer Rouge could serve as a stabilizing force against Vietnamese expansion.

Throughout the Vietnam War, Cambodia’s involvement became critical as the conflict escalated. The American bombing campaigns in Cambodia inadvertently strengthened the Khmer Rouge by destabilizing the region, enabling their rise to power.


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