President Obama visited Vietnam recently, making him only the third U.S. President to visit this country. The Vietnam War ended in 1975 when the U.S. withdrew combat forces and the country was united under communism. For the last 50 years the U.S. has banned weapons sales to the communist government. Obama ended that ban in Vietnam because as China becomes aggressive in the Western Pacific, the United States wants to strengthening its ties to Vietnam. China and Vietnam are neighbors and share Communist ideology. Listen to hear more about this new policy.
Story Length: 4:45
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May 12, 2015
4:54
The Silk Road is an ancient transcontinental trade route that connected Asia and Europe. The Silk Road led a period of trade and prosperity that is remembered in Chinese history as an era of power and prestige. The modern Chinese government is hoping to recreate the Silk Road and connect China to Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia. Some argue that this new goal is a great way to improve connectivity and promote economic development, while others question their motives. Listen to learn more about the ancient Silk Road and the potential impacts of creating a modern one.
Read MoreMay 6, 2015
8:45
Forty years ago the Vietnam War came to an end. The Paris Peace Accords led to the withdrawal of American troops from South Vietnam, allowing the communist forces of the north, led by Prime Minister Ho Chi Minh, to retake South Vietnam and reunify the country. The final days of American occupation of South Vietnam was particularly tense in the South’s largest city, then known as Saigon. As troops left they also engaged in a huge evacuation effort, extracting American civilians and some South Vietnamese. Listen to learn more about these tense last days from Marines who were there.
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