The United States and Chemical Weapons: Facts and Myths

The debate surrounding the use of chemical weapons, particularly during the Vietnam War, remains a contentious issue. While the United States has readily admitted using certain defoliants, its stance on other chemical weapons used by both sides is more complex and controversial.

Agent Orange and Other Defoliants

During the Vietnam War, the United States utilized several herbicides, the most infamous of which was Agent Orange. This herbicide, among others, was not only designed to strip the foliage from dense tropical forests but also to have unintended toxic effects on human health.

While the U.S. has admitted to the use of these defoliants, it has been more reluctant to acknowledge the broader use of chemical weapons by other parties. Russia, for example, supplied the North Vietnamese with Yellow Rain, a chemical/biological concoction that authorities believe was used to wage an offensive against the Hmong population.

Denials and Denials

The Communist forces, notably the North Vietnamese, have long denied the use of Yellow Rain, but evidence suggests otherwise. This ambiguity has fueled ongoing debates and controversies regarding the true nature of the conflict's chemical weapons arsenal.

United Nations Resolutions and U.S. Stance

The United States has a checkered history when it comes to international efforts to regulate the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Between 1972 and 2002, the U.S. blocked over 160 United Nations resolutions that aimed to limit and regulate these weapons, along with nuclear armaments.

During this period, the U.S. cast veto resolutions in the Security Council, with a particularly marked increase under the Reagan administration. This period saw over 160 resolutions being vetoed, compared to Russia's 2 vetoes in the same time frame.

Manipulation and Public Perception

While the U.S. denies the use of these weapons or downplays their significance, its actions speak louder than words. As illustrated in the list of resolutions below, the United States has a troubling history of double standards:

1981: Urges negotiations on prohibition of chemical and biological weapons. 1979: Calls for an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with apartheid South Africa. 1979: Concerns negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race. 1980: Declaration of non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. 1980: Calls for the cessation of all nuclear test explosions.

The U.S. stance is often that of a double-edged sword, utilizing these weapons when necessary while also ignoring those who are made aware of their use. CNN, for instance, has faced criticism for aligning with the U.S. narrative rather than challenging its double standards.

Conclusion

The use of chemical weapons during the Vietnam War remains a complex issue, with both sides engaging in denials and accusations. The United States' history of blocking resolutions aimed at regulating WMDs and its use of double standards further complicates the narrative. As the world seeks to maintain peace and security, such controversies continue to spark debates and calls for transparency and accountability.