The Erawan War Volume 2: The CIA Paramilitary Campaign in Laos, 1969-1974

(Paperback)

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This book details CIA-supported paramilitary operations in Laos during the height of the conflict in that kingdom, from late 1969 through the conclusion of agency participation in 1974. During a closed-door meeting of Washington policy makers on 31 March 1971, a senior CIA officer informed National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger that the agency was controlling up to 8 divisions of indigenous troops in Laos. "When the CIA reaches the point of having the largest army in Southeast Asia," retorted Kissinger, "we better review the program!" The Erawan War Volume 2 details how the CIA operation in Laos reached that point, becoming its largest paramilitary operation of the Cold War. With photos and maps, it covers the wide range of CIA-supported units in Laos, from guerrilla regiments that went toe-to-toe with the North Vietnamese army in pitched campaigns, to top-secret commandos that crossed borders to wage clandestine sabotage attacks. AUTHOR: Kenneth Conboy was South East Asian policy analyst and deputy director of the Asian Studies Centre in Washington D.C., 1986-1992. Since then he has held roles in risk management companies in Indonesia, and he currently serves as Risk Management Advisory Country Manager in Indonesia. He has written a number of books about war in Asia, as well as several articles. 72 b/w photos, 65 colour photos, 3 colour profiles

Reviews

"Ken Conboy has provided the Asia@War series a concise, well researched and easy to read book to help fill in gaps in the little-known covert wars in Asia... These wars and operations were just as important as the main [Vietnam War] effort, and it is good to see these dedicated people get their due time in the limelight."-- "IPMS/USA"
"Conboy's book is a valuable resource for readers seeking to deepen their knowledge of military operations in Laos during the Vietnam War and those who wish to gain insights into special operations and clandestine warfare in general."-- "Vietnam Magazine"
"This Erawan War history is very informative about a conflict little known to the American public, yet one of America's longest running Cold War engagements."-- "Air & Space Power History"
"...a necessary read in order to truly understand the immensity of America's involvement in the Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War."-- "The VVA Veteran"
"Highly recommended."-- "AMPS Indianapolis"

Author Bio

Kenneth Conboy was South East Asian policy analyst and deputy director of the Asian Studies Centre in Washington D.C., 1986-1992. Since then he has held roles in risk management companies in Indonesia, and he currently serves as Risk Management Advisory Country Manager in Indonesia. He has written a number of books about war in Asia, as well as several articles.