Tou Samouth c. One of the founder members of the Party in Cambodia, and head of its more moderate faction, he is mainly remembered for mentoring Saloth Sar, the man who would later become Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge. Samouth disappeared in disputed circumstances in July Its attempts at agricultural reform led to widespread famine, while its insistence on absolute self-sufficiency, ev xSupplier:xCPAxMediaxCo. In a posed propaganda photograph, Pol Pot, recently driven from power by the Vietnamese, sends a message to Hanoi and to the outside world: We re still here and represent a viable force.
The child on his lap is probably Pol Pot s daughter. Others may be his grandchildren, or those of other senior Khmer Rouge cadre.
Photo probably by senior KR official. While in Europe, he also participated during his holidays in an international labor brigade building roads in Yugoslavia. He returned to his country in , convinced that making revolution in Cambodia was his vocation. As a cover, he collaborated to newspapers and taught French, history, geography and civics Chandler, He was the ultimate arbiter of all aspects of Khmer Rouge policy and, as his power grew, became the sole decision maker.
During this period, he also traveled to Hanoi and Beijing. Its members were required to renounce not only material possessions but also spiritual ties: the ultimate goal was to crush individual personality and replace it by unquestioning adherence to the collectivity. Discipline was ferocious; secrecy omnipresent. Yet his fanaticism was masked by great personal charisma.
People who met him remembered his winning smile and considerable talent as an orator Chandler, ; Short, ; Sher, Like most Cambodian leaders — communist or other — his political views were skewed by a paranoid suspicion against Vietnam, which he was convinced would eventually seek to swallow Cambodia.
The country was ruined. Given that there was no clear distinction of who is the victim and who is the perpetrator of Khmer Rouge crimes, members of society remain divided over this issue. Additionally, crime sites, memorials, security centres and other Khmer Rouge-related sites must continue to be preserved nationwide. Anlong Veng itself is home to fourteen historical sites, including the cremation of Pol Pot.
It is one of the most visited sites for local and foreign visitors, and, especially, students across Cambodia to learn about the genocide and its aftermath. Anlong Veng, the former final stronghold, holds a unique history of war and peace.
A comprehensive national narrative may be possible if a variety of views are accepted as legitimate. In this way, Cambodians can openly discuss in a court of law the role of Pol Pot in establishing the killing fields.
Only through honest debate can survivors heal from the past. Support Us. Careers Contributors Customer Support. The brutal dictator escaped true justice, living his final years in a Khmer Rouge stronghold.
0コメント