Laos, which was French-controlled Indochina, was an integral part of the French-controlled Indochina for many decades. However, the United States entered into the Vietnam War in 1961, and soon after the United States became involved in the war, a secret war in Laos began. The CIA led a covert operation against the communist Pathet Lao.
The mission of the CIA in Laos was to defeat the communist threat, but it also recruited tens or thousands of Hmong fighters for the operation. It was a war of guerrilla, but with a humanitarian component. A special force was trained in southern Laos and was called the Special Guerrilla Unit. These units were used in an attack on North Vietnamese soldiers. After the Vietnam War, these units were defeated and the United States retreated from Laos.
This secret war in Laos was first in CIA history. Its estimated budget was $3 billion. The number of CIA contractors working in Laos grew 2000% over the course of the decade.
Thousands of pro-American Laos were killed or forced to live in prison camps. Others were escorted to the jungle with their guards. Some families were wiped out for good. Those who survived were allowed to continue their lives in caves or fields at night.
Although the CIA did manage battle strategy at times, most of the time, it was left up to locals. Many villages were devastated and thousands of civilians were murdered by the CIA's bombing raids.
Throughout the "Secret War", tens of thousands of Lao patriots were killed. The United States withdrew its support for Laos from South Vietnam following the war. The CIA was unable operate as before.
Thus, the CIA decided that a clandestine Hmong army would be built. It was a way to avoid the prohibition of direct military assistance in Geneva Accords. Many Laos thought the Communists were trying take over the nation. But they resisted.
During the war the CIA also established "Lima Sites" or ports of entrance throughout the country. These were used to move Hmong troops around and import supplies. LS-36, one of the most important Lima Sites, was also one. Another noteworthy site was LS-20A.
The CIA eventually decided to evacuate Laos following the war. The United States gave up its financial and military support to Laos following the Paris Peace Treaty. Ultimately, the CIA's operation in Laos was a success. The CIA was able to stop Laos communism's spread.
The Secret War in Laos was a complicated and messy affair. While the CIA's efforts in fighting the communist threat were successful, it was a disaster for the United States' relations with the Lao government.
Although the US-led Secret War in Laos is over, its legacy still causes havoc. Many UXOs are still littering the country's landscapes. Khamvongsa is lobbying the US for help to solve this problem. He is now writing a book about this war, which focuses primarily on the key figures in the Laos conflict.
FAQ
What is the most secretive town in the world?
The answer may shock you. You might be uncomfortable with the truth of it, as it may challenge your perception of reality. There is a reason this place exists and it's not as you might expect.
It was known as the City of God to the ancient Greeks. It was called the City of Destruction by the Bible.
It's known in India as Kashi (Kashmir). It is also called Novgorod in Russia.
Here in America, however, it is called The Village That Disappeared.
One small New York State town with just 1,200 people vanished. It was abandoned without any remains, including no bodies, cars, or houses. The only thing that survived was a road sign, which pointed to its former location.
The little village vanished, with no trace of its existence. Some claim the earth swallowed it. Others claim that a meteorite hit destroyed it. Others believe that aliens took it.
Regardless of what happened, residents of this once-thriving town are certain that their town won't be forgotten forever. They just moved to another city.
There's even a website that tracks the disappearances and recoveries of Zugspitz.
The question is, where did this place go? It's in Switzerland, actually!
Zugspitze lies on the border between Austria and Germany. Just beyond the summit of the mountain is a huge lake called Lake Zugspitze.
I have always been fascinated by the fact that so many towns have vanished, but some remain. What is the difference between some towns that disappear and others that survive? I decided that I would investigate.
I wanted to learn more about mysteriously disappearing towns. What makes a town disappear? How can a town disappear from existence?
It turns out that there are several theories about the phenomenon of vanishing towns. One theory says that a town disappears when all the buildings are demolished. Another theory is that the town moves to another place. A third theory holds that the town did not exist.
Theories aside, the fact remains that dozens of towns around the globe have been swallowed up by the ground. This video looks into the history of those places and investigates their current status.
How does the brain control the functions of your body?
To ensure that other organs and muscle functions work together, the brain sends messages. Everything that happens within your body is controlled by the brain. It tells the stomach to digest food, and the lungs to breath air. It also tells your legs and arms to move.
Your brain consists of billions of nerve cells connected in groups called neurons. Action potentials are electrical signals that neurons send to one another. Every neuron has a cell wall around its nucleus. The membrane contains channels that allow ions like sodium and potassium to enter the cell and leave it. The electric charge that causes the neuron's fire is created by ion movement.
When a neuron is activated, neurotransmitters release chemicals into the space between it and the next neuron. Neurotransmitters are able to bind to receptors in the second neuron. This opens ion channels that allow ions to flow in and out. In turn, the second neuron also fires.
When a presynaptic nerve receives an impulse, neurotransmitter release takes place. The impulse travels along the synapse connecting the two neurons. The transmitter binds at the receptors of the post-synaptic Neuron and triggers its firing.
They are vital for the communication between nerve cells. They coordinate brain activity among different parts.
What is the most interesting fact about the human body?
There are two eyes, two ears. Two nostrils. Four limbs. A mouth, nose and penis. That's right, we have more than 50 parts of our bodies, but one thing is missing. The heart.
A heart is a pump that circulates blood throughout the body. The blood flows through the veins and arteries to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Each minute, the heart pumps approximately 5 liters. This is equivalent of an adult drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee each day.
The heart pumps blood 24 hours a days, 365 days per year. While you are sleeping, your heart beats about 100 times per second.
Skin color can be used to determine if someone has a medical condition. The capillaries are tiny blood vessels that can be seen on the skin's surface. These vessels carry blood back to the heart from the large blood vessels beneath the skin. The skin turns purple or blue when there is a blockage in blood flow.
Red blood cells are missing in people with sickle-cell disease. They become very sick when their blood becomes hardened and sticky.
If you cut yourself, a bandage is applied to stop the bleeding. For wounds to heal properly, blood must flow. Doctors will insert a needle under the skin to access the vein near the injury. This allows the blood to drain from the injured area.
Doctors also insert tubes (catheters) into the artery near the site where the blood clot forms. This keeps patients alive until the clot has broken up naturally.
Is there an Hollywood blacklist?
There is an Hollywood blacklist.
The list is not made public. We don't know the names. This is why it matters.
The reason for the secrecy is that the blacklisted actors and directors wouldn't be able to find jobs. So they'd go out of business, which means that the studios would lose money. Which means they'd cut back on spending money on movies. This would lead to fewer opportunities and less money for blacklisted directors. This would make them bankrupt.
This could lead to more victims.
In other words, if someone is trying to make an Oscar winning movie, they might have to sign a contract that says they won't speak openly against their employers. This applies to any producer or director who wishes to be nominated.
Producers often pressure directors to cut scenes from their films. Or how directors threaten to walk away from projects that don't fit their vision.
This is why Hollywood keeps a blacklist. You'll likely become unemployed if you say bad things about your employer. It's not good for anyone.
It is not uncommon for people to be falsely accused. They've had the toil to clear their name.
We must stop this from happening again. We need to ensure everyone has the right of expression.
Also, we must take down the Hollywood blacklist.
Statistics
- You spend about 10% of your time awake blinking (romper.com)
- "It is estimated that 75% of people have at least mild gum disease, with the most common symptoms being bleeding when brushing, bad breath, and dark and swollen gums," Dr. Ron Baise, a London-based dentist, tells Romper. (romper.com)
- In fact, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you make 15 to 30 gallons of tears each year, which is insane when you think about it. (romper.com)
- The average human adult male heart rate is between 70 and 72 beats per minute, while the average for adult women is between 78 and 82 beats, which is significantly faster, according to 2014 published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. (romper.com)
- In fact, nearly 24% of U.S. women are affected with one or more pelvic floor disorders, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health. (romper.com)
External Links
How To
Hollywood scandals that stunned the world
Nothing is more shocking than seeing someone famous for wrong reasons. It's even more frightening to see them fall from grace.
It's amazing to see how the industry responds to their mistakes. We've all heard stories of celebrities who used drugs and alcohol excessively. Some even died young because of it.
But the worst part is when those same stars go public with their problems and are shunned by everyone. That's where we found ourselves last week.
After a long and successful career, Heath Ledger finally succumbed to his demons. He died after succumbing to prescription drugs.
His family and friends struggled to accept his passing, and the media had a field day bashing him publicly.
Heath was once considered one of the most talented actors working today. He was nominated for two Academy Awards for his performance in Brokeback Mountain.
In addition to acting, Heath also wrote and directed films, including A Knight's Tale, Monster's Ball, and Iron Man 3.
Hollywood loved Heath. However, he quickly grew too large. He started to use drugs and drink heavily. He eventually went to rehab and was clean.
He wanted to make amends now that he was sober. He made a documentary called "Room 237," that chronicled the making and release of The Shining. It was supposed that it would be released this year but it won't make its debut in theaters until next.
Heath was unsuccessful in his attempts to get back into Hollywood. Heath was in fact arrested twice on drug charges.
While we aren't saying Heath shouldn't have been allowed back in the show business, However, it would be nice if he could get some help before things spiral out of control.
We hope Heath's story warns others who might think they can still have it all.