Kerry's antiwar actions more complex than critics, supporters offer.

Byline: Matt Stearns

WASHINGTON _ John Kerry's war didn't end when he left Vietnam, and his antiwar actions in the ensuing years are under increased scrutiny as Kerry closes in on the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

As a leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War in 1971, Kerry publicly detailed atrocities allegedly committed by American servicemen in Vietnam and called for the United States to pay reparations to Vietnam. That _ and much more _ is now being used against the Massachusetts senator by political opponents on talk shows and the Internet. They circulate fliers and pictures _ one of them doctored _ showing Kerry speaking at antiwar rallies that also featured actress Jane Fonda, whose more radical antiwar activities still arouse anger.

Most damning, they accuse Kerry _ who won a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts in combat _ of betraying his fellow veterans by castigating his fellow soldiers while some of them were still in combat or in prison camps.

Kerry, who surrounds himself with veterans at nearly every campaign appearance, has defended his antiwar activities by saying he was indicting American leaders, not American soldiers.

The record suggests that the truth is more complex than either side admits.

For instance, by the time Fonda made her infamous 1972 trip to the enemy capital of Hanoi, Kerry had left Vietnam Veterans ...