Blowback S5 Episode 5 - "Last Tango In Paris"
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Jan 10, 2025 Dive into the tangled politics of 1970s Cambodia as U.S. foreign policy sparks chaos. Nixon’s secret bombing campaigns and the rise of the Khmer Rouge unveil chilling consequences. Experience the crucial diplomatic moves towards China during escalating tensions. Discover the humanitarian crisis born from corruption and military mismanagement under Lon Nol’s regime. Witness the paranoia surrounding Nixon's re-election amidst the backdrop of violence and political intrigue, as Cambodia spirals into turmoil.
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Early Khmer Rouge Support
- Early Khmer Rouge, like other communist groups, gained peasant support through respect and aid.
- The CIA acknowledged that the Khmer Rouge helped with harvests, paid for goods, and respected women.
Lon Nol's Failing Republic
- Lon Nol focused on a republic for the middle class while losing territory to guerrillas.
- His corrupt government thrived on US aid, with officials stealing wages and selling equipment.
Lon Nol's Superstitions
- Lon Nol, driven by superstition, sprinkled holy sand around the city to ward off enemies.
- He held racist beliefs about Khmer superiority, viewing himself as a divine warrior for Buddha.