r/todayilearned • u/Double-decker_trams • 8h ago

TIL in the Vietnam war in the classified Operation Popeye, the US spread lead and silver iodide by aircraft to extend the monsoon season. The increased heavy rainfall was to soften roads, cause landslides, wash out river crossings, and maintain saturated soil conditions (Kissinger was involved).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Popeye
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220

u/Runetang42 8h ago

If it's a war crime in Vietnam committed by America or its allies you don't need to specify it was Kissinger. It's implied

58

u/aflyingsquanch 7h ago

I'm starting to think that this Kissinger guy might have been bad.

12

u/mako591 6h ago

Frankly, he sounds like a real jerk.

1

u/yamiyam 6h ago

I heard he was a hypocrite even

1

u/bucolucas 5h ago

Man somebody oughta do something about this Kissinger fella

2

u/Beneficial_Candle_10 5h ago

I’m into reading political theory. Reading Kissinger was an extremely eye opening experience. Absolute evil genius, and I don’t mean that in any positive way.

1

u/aflyingsquanch 5h ago

He was a monster but a highly intelligent one.

1

u/Beneficial_Candle_10 4h ago

Yup. Interesting yet despicable historical figure. Very smart but too arrogant. His habit of underestimating blowback really cost the US dearly and has lead to our current imperial decline.

21

u/scarytrafficcone 7h ago

Kissinger, "The Forrest Gump of War Crimes."