Staff Reports
A dangerous border war between Thailand and Cambodia is spinning out of control. The fighting has killed 43 people and forced 300,000 from their homes. This mess threatens American interests across Southeast Asia.
Thailand is holding 18 Cambodian soldiers after fierce battles near ancient temples. Cambodia screams that Thailand kidnapped these men during a ceasefire handshake. Thailand says the soldiers surrendered on their own and will only be freed when a real peace deal is signed.
The conflict exploded on July 24th when both sides opened fire with rockets and artillery. Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed Cambodian army positions and destroyed their command posts. Thailand then closed its border and told its citizens to flee Cambodia immediately.
This border dispute shows how weak American leadership has made our allies desperate. When America steps back from the world stage, our friends start fighting each other instead of standing together against China. Thailand and Cambodia should be working with us against Beijing, not shooting at each other.
Cambodia paraded foreign diplomats to the battle zone to make Thailand look bad. But Thailand’s defense minister was smart to keep military observers away until both sides stop the violence. No point risking more lives for a photo opportunity.
The timing could not be worse for American security. China is watching every move in Southeast Asia as they plan their next power grab. When our allies fight each other, it makes Beijing’s job much easier to divide and conquer the region.
A shaky ceasefire was supposed to end the fighting, but it collapsed within 48 hours. Both sides keep blaming each other while innocent people suffer. Strong American leadership could end this mess quickly if we showed real commitment to peace.
President Trump needs to step in fast and knock heads together. America cannot afford to lose influence in Southeast Asia while China grows stronger every day. Our allies need to remember who their real friends are and start acting like it.
