A view held largely by American conservatives that the "loss" of the Vietnam War has created an American public biased against any
type of American military conflict.
They argue that
bad memories of the Vietnam War (scandals, protests, riots, images of killed/wounded soldiers and civilians, etc.) have caused the American
people to distrust any type of war at all. As a result, it is argued, any attempt by the United States to engage in a military conflict
will be viewed by the American
people as "another Vietnam."
President George H.W.
Bush declared Vietnam Syndrome "kicked" after the relatively successful end of the Gulf War.
There is considerable debate as to whether the War in Iraq is "another Vietnam" and the use of that phrase has caused many to believe that Vietnam Syndrome is alive and
well.
"Vietnam Syndrome" is NOT to be confused with PTSD or re-adjustment problems experienced by some Vietnam veterans.
"By God, we've kicked the
Vietnam syndrome once and for all!" -- George H.W.
Bush at the end of the Gulf War
"Iraq is turning into anoter
Vietnam!"
