The Cost of War: A look at the cost of Operation Iraqi Freedom

With Operation Iraqi Freedom drawing to a close, it's time to examine what the war really cost, in both lives and dollars. At least 157 confirmed coalition deaths have been reported, but the total number of Iraqi deaths is still unclear.

President George W. Bush got word from Congress, shortly after the April 11th deadline, that his wartime supplemental appropriations request of $74.7 billion had been approved--a request that 87% of blackenterprise.com subscribers believe will negatively impact the nation's already shaky economy. The funds will cover the cost of military operations, relief, and reconstruction activities in Iraq, as well as Homeland Security protection measures.

Researchers with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an international society of scientists, scholars, artists, business people, and political leaders based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, forecast that a short war could benefit the United States in terms of macroeconomic impact, which would include employment, by $17 billion. Some critics, who say the war was "unprovoked and preventable," believe contributing to prescription drug coverage for every American senior citizen for a year, or providing health care for all uninsured children in the U.S. for five years, would have put the monies to better use.

Others complain that the bill requires Congress to shirk its constitutional responsibility, citing the $59.5 billion allocated to a fund that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld could spend with limited input from lawmakers. The appropriations, once approved, would be designated to:

Military Operations $62.6 billion is requested for the cost of military operations against Iraq and other efforts in the global war on terrorism. Of this amount, $53.4 billion will cover the costs associated with transporting troops and equipment to the Persian Gulf region and with fueling ships, aircraft, and tanks. Another $3.7 billion will go toward replenishing the country's stocks of munitions to pre-conflict levels. $1.7 billion is for classified activities, and $1.1 billion will be used for communications, computer and intelligence equipment, chemical and biological detection, and decontamination gear. A designated $1.4 billion will be used to support coalition partners. These funds will also be used to build taxiways, parking aprons at Air Force facilities in the Middle East, and to construct housing and facilities for military and civilian personnel of coalition partners. International Assistance Of the $5 billion allocated to international assistance, $1 billion will be given to Israel to enhance security due to perceived threats surrounding this war. $2.4 billion will go to Jordan, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Egypt to support educational and economic opportunities in the Middle East. In addition, loan guarantees will be made available to Israel and $30.5 million will be used for a Middle East Television Network start-up and to increase radio broadcasting to Iraq. Relief and Reconstruction A flexible account of $2.4 billion will be set up for Iraq relief and reconstruction. $1.7 billion will be allocated for health, water and sanitation, education, electricity, transportation, telecommunications, and agriculture. $200 million will be used for food for the Iraqi people. The total commitment of resources for Iraq relief and reconstruction is approximately $3.5 billion, including funds made available under the Department of Defense appropriation for oil field repair. Homeland Security Cities nationwide are currently spending $70 million per week on additional homeland security measures, according to a new 145-city survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. These figures do not account for indirect costs, including equipment purchases and training and reassigning police officers to guard public buildings. $4.25 billion is proposed to address security issues in the U.S. Of this amount, almost all of the assistance will be funneled through state bureaucracies before reaching major cities. Many say it's just not enough, including Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. Rep. Obey is requesting that an additional $6.7 billion be added to the budget, saying the current amount allocated will leave "many pressing needs unmet at a time when threats against the American people seem to be rising."

The additional monies, if approved, would go toward improving FBI analytical capabilities, upgrading security in various ports, assisting the FDA in protecting the food supply, and assessing the vulnerability of chemical plants.

An additional $296 million is proposed for operating costs for the Department of State, evacuation of U.S. citizens worldwide, and assistance for refugees or internally displaced persons due to the conflict with Iraq. This includes $25 million for border security in Pakistan and $34 million for security and counter-drug assistance in Colombia. And $125 million is requested to support immediate and emerging terrorism-related prevention and response requirements.

The war is already costing more than the 1991 Persian Gulf War, which cost America an estimated $61 billion, with allies reimbursing all but $7 billion. This war, however, does not have international support. Now that Congress has approved the request, President Bush is expected to sign it into law very soon. The National Priorities Project (www.nationalpriorities.org), a grassroots organization for social and economic justice, says that Americans should prepare to foot the bill.

Also from the article:

HOW DOES THIS WAR COMPARE TO WARS OF THE PAST?

World War I (1917-18) cost *$1.91 billion, cost per American $2,489

World War II (1941-1945) cost *$2.9 trillion, cost per American $20,388

Korea (1950-1953) cost *$336 billion, cost per American $2,266

Vietnam (1964-1972) cost *$494 billion, cost per American $2,204

Gulf War I (1990-1991) cost *$76.1 billion**, cost per American $306

Gulf War II (2003- ) cost *$75 billion***, cost per American $255

When American Blacks get off the Democrat Plantation, they will be invited to share in the American Dream. Like some banana republic fake election, blacks voted over 90% right down the Democrat ticket. Take that hand that is palm up waiting for entitlements, put it to work helping yourself and building prosperity, and only then do you get to criticize the military budget, the one that purchases our freedom.

Blacks chose the wrong side in the culture war, and it will take two generations to crawl out from under the fallen liberal edifices. Better get started.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.