On the afternoon of March 12, 2022, I received an urgent message from Lâm Hồng Tiên, an engineer and close friend who has dedicated more than a decade to researching Vietnam War documents.

As the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War approaches in 2025, the subject of remains recovery, those missing in action, and the memorialization of war-related dead from the Republic of Vietnam (RVN or South Vietnam) deserves attention.

As the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end nears, the U.S is helping Vietnam find wartime remains, furthering postwar reconciliation.

U.S. assistance has contributed to a dramatic reduction in casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance in Vietnam’s central Quang Tri province.

Addressing the lingering effects of Agent Orange facilitates “trust building and healing” between the U.S. and Vietnam.

Hanoi’s ‘multi-directional’ foreign policy provides opportunities for a stronger ASEAN and more trusted U.S.-Vietnam relationship.

If the U.S.-Vietnam experience is any guide, reconciliation in Afghanistan will be lengthy and nonlinear — yet ultimately achievable.