The US saw Nol as another Diem, a native who was able to suppress communism. But like Diem, his rule was repressive and corrupt, contributing to the ultimate victory of the Khmer Rouge. By 1973, the US launched a massive bombing campaign against Cambodian areas that were suspected to hold the Khmer Rouge. By 1975, the Khmer Rouge, with the support of Prince Sihanouk, overthrew Nol and persuaded him to move into exile. As a result Nol fled the country, and took up residence in Hawaii and California. He died in 1985.
Many parallels can be drawn between Lon Nol and Ngo Diem. Both were placed in their respective governments by the US to promote Democracy and suppress communism. But they became corrupt, did not listen to the needs of the people and were overthrown by the communist rebels. But unlike Diem, Nol's successor was one that did worse damage than he did himself. Pol Pot committed atrocities of ghastly proportion, whereas Ho Chi Minh ensured a future for his people.
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