[Sirc_Valence]

DMZFrank did a good article on the same thing here. On the HistoryChannel I saw that MacNamara and the administration prohibited from pilots from hitting AA sites as they were being set up because it might upset the Soviets or the Chinese who were supplying them or even bringing them in. Nevermind who NOT striking them would upset.

[jongaltsr]

Another reason why the locals were viewed as being sympathetic to the VC was due to their habits and living conditions. Most were farmers and having a weapon was a luxury they just could not afford.

Since the VC had weapons it only took one or two VC to hold an entire village hostage as long as they were present.

They would rape, kill children and old folks until the village did what they wanted. After the VC got what they wanted, they slithered back into the jungle and the village was now listed as a hostile VC controlled village.