Why Iraq was worse for America than Vietnam

Bizarrely, the Iraq War was worse for America than the far deadlier and more destructive Vietnam War.

To explain, the 2003–2011 Iraq War did far more damage to America’s position in the world and influence than the larger Vietnam War. Yet, the Vietnam War was far deadlier (at least for more Americans) than the Iraq invasion.

Conversely, the Vietnam War was more divisive and politically destructive at home than the Iraq War. However, the Iraq conflict did far more damage to the world order and America’s place in it than the Vietnam debacle.

Which was Worse Iraq or Vietnam?

On paper, Vietnam was the worse conflict. For example, the Vietnam War killed 58,220 Americans, the National Archives estimates.

Casualties in Vietnam were horrific. The Vietnamese government estimates two million civilians and 1.1 million Communist soldiers and guerrillas died in the Vietnam War. Plus, the US military estimates the war killed 200,000 to 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers.

In contrast, 4,550 Americans died in the Second Iraq War, Business Insider estimates. Moreover…