uscitizen
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WASHINGTON — The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost as much as $2.4 trillion through the next decade, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday. The White House brushed off the analysis as "speculation."
The estimate was the most comprehensive and far-reaching one to date. It factored in costs previously not counted and assumed that large number of forces would remain in the regions.
According to analysis, the U.S. has spent about $604 billion on the wars, including $39 billion in diplomatic operations and foreign aid.
If the U.S. were to reduce the number of troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to 75,000 six years from now, it would cost the U.S. $1 trillion more for military and diplomatic operations and $705 billion in interest payments to pay for the wars through 2017.
Democrats, who say voters will not stand for it, would consider paying for the military campaigns in short installments, instead of full one-year terms.
"That estimate is a far cry from the administration's original claim of a $50 billion price that the Iraqis could pay themselves," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "The depth of this tragedy is stunning, particularly for our military families — and for prospects for peace in the region."
The White House contended the estimate was too conditional.
"It's just a ton of speculation," said White House press secretary Dana Perino. "We don't know how much the war is going to cost in the future."
President Bush has asked for $196.4 billion for war-related operations this budget year, which began Oct. 1
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305058,00.html
Yeah white house it is just a ton of specualtion, but you estimate has been about 10% of the cost so far....
The estimate was the most comprehensive and far-reaching one to date. It factored in costs previously not counted and assumed that large number of forces would remain in the regions.
According to analysis, the U.S. has spent about $604 billion on the wars, including $39 billion in diplomatic operations and foreign aid.
If the U.S. were to reduce the number of troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to 75,000 six years from now, it would cost the U.S. $1 trillion more for military and diplomatic operations and $705 billion in interest payments to pay for the wars through 2017.
Democrats, who say voters will not stand for it, would consider paying for the military campaigns in short installments, instead of full one-year terms.
"That estimate is a far cry from the administration's original claim of a $50 billion price that the Iraqis could pay themselves," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "The depth of this tragedy is stunning, particularly for our military families — and for prospects for peace in the region."
The White House contended the estimate was too conditional.
"It's just a ton of speculation," said White House press secretary Dana Perino. "We don't know how much the war is going to cost in the future."
President Bush has asked for $196.4 billion for war-related operations this budget year, which began Oct. 1
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305058,00.html
Yeah white house it is just a ton of specualtion, but you estimate has been about 10% of the cost so far....