Economists say cost of war could top $2 trillionThe cost of the Iraq war could top $2 trillion after factoring in long-term healthcare for wounded US veterans, rebuilding a worn-down military, and accounting for other unforeseen bills and economic losses, according to a new analysis to be presented today in Boston.
The estimate by Columbia University economist Joseph E. Stiglitz and Harvard lecturer Linda Bilmes far exceeds projections made by the Bush administration.
The figure is more than four times what the war was expected to cost through 2006 -- around $500 billion, according to congressional budget data. Continued
With $2 trillion we could have given every single one of the 25 million residents of Iraq, $80,000 each, and saved the lives of thousands.
That $2 trillion will cost $6,667 for every single, man, woman and child in this country - all 300 million of us. So, if you and your family consists of you, a spouse and two children, that will be $26,700, please.
