Ghosts of Year Zero: The Khmer Rouge, Phnom Penh and the Killing Fields

When the Khmer Rouge seized power, they declared it the start of “Year Zero”—a chilling decree that symbolized the erasure of everything that had come before.

An archive picture from Agence Khmere de Presse shows Cambodian people leaving Phnom Penh after Khmer Rouge forces seized and emptied the Cambodian capital on April 17, 1975.

(photo credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

ByALEX WINSTON

MAY 1, 2025 16:29

RECOMMENDED STORIES

Palestinian Hamas terrorists keep guard on the day Hamas handed over deceased hostages in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip February 20, 2025.

Admitting defeat? Why Hamas officials say the terror group 'lost control' of Gaza

JULY 7, 2025

Members of Hamas with the backdrop of the Gaza Strip, amid reports that Hamas has lost control of much of its territory.

'Security situation has collapsed': Hamas has lost 80% of its control over Gaza Strip

JULY 7, 2025

Reporter's Notebook: 'Post' meets with top Hebron sheikh who wants to pull out of PA

JULY 6, 2025

IDF Maj.-Gen. Aviad Dagan entering a fighter jet; illustrative.

IDF cyber chief, retired Iran strategy head piloted fighter jets striking Iran

JULY 6, 2025

Hot Opinion

War doesn't end on the battlefield: Israel must better support veterans with PTSD

ByJPOST EDITORIAL

Israel's midnight strategist: How IDF chief Eyal Zamir rewired the doctrine on Iran

ByZVIKA KLEIN, YONAH JEREMY BOB

As thousands stay away, Ethiopian Israelis pay a heavy price in Gaza war

ByYAAKOV KATZ

Can Donald Trump win a Nobel Peace Prize?

ByAMOTZ ASA-EL