For three years now, Laos has marked the advance of spring by nearly falling into the hands of the Communists. Last week was no exception. Heavy fighting suddenly erupted on the Plain of Jars, and, as ...

The Hmong people, who mostly reside in Southeast Asia, have long suffered persecution in Laos. In the '60s and '70s, many Laotian Hmong collaborated with the CIA to fight the communist Pathet Lao.

The silvery Cessna Wren scudded high above the Plain of Jars, and the tiny man in rumpled fatigues peered down through eyes red-rimmed with exhaustion. Below him the wind moved casually over ...