I wonder if Russian casualties will stop this anymore than

[edhopper]

our own war dead stopped the Iraq War.
Idiot leaders will not shy away from sacrificing their own young people on the alter of their own ego.

[Renew Deal]

1. Iraq War was completely different.

Because both sides knew the US would leave. In this case, it is clear the Russians want to exterminate the Ukranian state as well as much of its culture, while "permanently" consuming its terroritory. They were both mistakes, but Ukranians are fighting for their lives, futures, and culture. Iraqi's new the bad times would pass.

[blm]

2. Russia's mothers will bring Putin down.

Most of them, along with their conscripted sons, were never told they were going to war. They were told it was training exercises.

[blue-wave]

3. But there are so many other factors in play here

that were not in play during the Iraq war. Those sanctions are going to start hurting, and I mean hurting badly, starting on Monday's open of business in Moscow.

[nycbos]

4. Our leaders are democraticly accountable during elections.

See the 2006 midterms and and the 2008 election.

Dictators like Putin don't have to worry about the people.

[unblock]

5. Dictators absolutely have to worry about the people

It's just that they only need about 20% support.

Low bar, but if they fall below that, they're in big trouble.

In putin's case, I don't think he really has much to worry about from his own people, unless this is a long, drawn out economic disaster for Russia and not just a short-term p.r. problem.