> Could not the same be easily claimed about Iraq and Bush?

Yes, to an extent. The harm to America was far less than what Russia's facing. And the benefits to Bush et al less than what Putin hopes to reap.

Bush could retire in peace. Putin can't. Risking his country's destruction for a few more years in power wouldn't make sense for an American President; it does for Putin.

I.. wish I could share your faith in people. Not to search very far, I can name at least one candidate, who would be willing to sacrifice a lot just for a few more years.

As for Bush, Cheney, Obama, Pompeo et al.. I don't know if they can retire in peace exactly. US taxpayers fund their security detail; some more so than others if you read some recent reports, but the point remains.

I am willing to agree with you on that there is a difference of degree, but Iraq war did a lot of damage.. not to just US standing, but to US population's perception of how things are really done. The main difference is that some of that damage is not as... easily translated into viral imagery.