American History

The Vietnam War POWMIA (prisoners of war  missing in action) refers to the condition and fate of the United States servicemen who were recognized as missing in action during the time of Vietnam War as well as other related operations in Southeast Asia. After the Paris Peace Accord of 1973, a number of United States prisoners of war returned home through Operation Homecoming. The POWMIA activists play an important role in pressuring the United States government to substantially exert the effort in resolving the cases of missing individuals and prisoners of war (Wiest, 2008).

The War Powers Act of 1973 was a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress during the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The War Powers Act places limitations on the authority of the President to send American troops in wars. The President can only send American troops in combat areas with the approval of the Congress. In relation to this, under the act, the President can only send combat troops in areas where there is a clear imminent hostility. Moreover, the President can extend the time the American troops are in the combat area for an extra 30 days without the approval of the Congress (Wiest, 2008).

The Khmer Rouge is recognized as the name use to identify the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea. During the year 1975 to 1979, Khmer Rouge is also use to refer to the followers of the totalitarian ruling party in Cambodia that are led by Pol Pot, Leng Sary, and other prominent personalities in the country. The Khmer Rouge was able to establish a regime from 1975 to 1979, which is known as the democratic Kampuchea.

Re-education camp is the official name given to Vietnamese-operated prison camps. After the end of the Vietnam War, the government of Vietnam imprisoned numerous former military officers as well as government workers that swerved the former regime of South Vietnam. The main purpose of the re-education camp is to serve as a means of revenge wherein people are incarcerated. Furthermore, the re-education camp is also regarded as a sophisticated means of repression and indoctrination (Wiest, 2008).

After the Peace Treaty, President Nixon had the responsibility of substantially continuing its aid to South Vietnam. The responsibility of Nixon is rooted from his commitment to Thieu, which is why Nixon order Operation Lineback II bombings, which eventually resulted for numerous violations of the Paris Peace Accords from both sides (Wiest, 2008).