Before the Quagmire

Understanding the how the USA militarily came to be involved in Vietnam almost requires understanding the strategic importance of Laos. Both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations believed that losing Laos would result in losing Vietnam as well, and they were correct. “Before The Quagmire” describes in detail how Laos was lost to Western influence. Readers familiar with the dawn and prosecution of The Cold War may sympathize with the diplomats involved, particularly J. Graham Parsons whose career was tarnished by his service in Laos. There were no good choices, only bad choices and worse choices, and every choice leavened with the potential of hot war erupting with either China, or Russia, or both, and the potential nuclear consequences.

Readers familiar with characters involved in The Secret War will be delighted with the short but highly complimentary reference to Bill Lair.