Korean War massacres condoned by US

This from today’s Chosun Daily: U.S. ‘Condoned Summary Executions During Korean War’

To read the original AP story, go here: US Okayed Korean War Massacres

I’m sure there are more sides to this than the article represents. Still, for my part, I’m inclined to believe it. Two reasons: 1) the fact that MacArthur, according to David Halberstam’s book, never spent one night in Korea, despite the fact that he was in charge. Apparently, he was too busy in Japan drafting their post-war constitution to fully invest himself in the Korean War’s direction. Also, his loathing of communists is pretty well documented. 2) Iraq! Not to denigrate all those serving out there, but it’s pretty hard to dismiss the foul ups. 

Still, there’s another angle that isn’t offered in the AP story. An International Herald Tribune piece by Choi Sang-hun titled From a brutal past, a South Korean village strives for reconciliation offers a look at how Koreans went after each other during the war, and their attempts at reconciliation.

My point is that this should not fall into the typical left-right debate over which version of history should be emphasized. The fact is that war unleashes violence, and that instead of blame, an honest approach at reconciliation is required. This of course demands an honest look at one’s past. Not easy!