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Iraq's Toll Spirals Into Trillions

Iraq may cost up to $12.5B each month

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Mar 10, 2008 9:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – In 2002 Donald Rumsfeld envisioned an Iraq war price tag of "something under $50 billion," but a Harvard professor and a Nobel-prize winning economist now pin the total cost at $3 trillion, with a "running cost" of $12.5 billion a month. As the Iraq war enters its sixth year next week, the Christian Science Monitor takes a look at the varying estimates.

Other experts say the $3 trillion figure is grossly inflated. But, even without factoring in "macro" costs like the rising price of oil and a high medical inflation rate for veteran care, conservative estimates figure Iraq will cost at least $1 trillion. However, concedes the Monitor, all projections are still just that.

Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, delivers a keynote address in this file photo. (Associated Press)

A new book by Linda Bilmes and Joseph Stiglitz suggests that the Iraq war will cost $3 trillion. (Shutterstock)

The war may cost from $1 trillion to $3 trillion, depending on what factors are included in the estimates. (Shutterstock)

U.S. Army soldiers salute to Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, as he arrives for an opening ceremony for a USO (United Service Oraganization) facility at the... (Associated Press)

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Iraq's Toll Spirals Into Trillions

Iraq may cost up to $12.5B each month

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US Will Halve Vast Iraq Embassy

Officials cite Iraqi obstructionism, mutual suspicion for thwarting mission

Super Committee Wants to Count $700B War Savings

'Gimmick' would pay for things like payroll tax cut

Just 1 in 3 Vets Say Iraq, Afghanistan Wars 'Worth It'

Another 1 in 3 disagree: Pew Research Center poll

Pentagon Late Fees for Storage Boxes: $720M

Overdue containers can cost $2,200 each

Time for a War Tax to Cover Our Debts

10% surcharge could cover next year's bill: Walter Pincus

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Iraq's Toll Spirals Into Trillions

Iraq may cost up to $12.5B each month

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

veterans • Donald Rumsfeld • oil price • Iraq war • Linda Bilmes • Joseph Stiglitz • Iraq war spending • war cost

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Will Halve Vast Iraq Embassy

Officials cite Iraqi obstructionism, mutual suspicion for thwarting mission

Super Committee Wants to Count $700B War Savings

'Gimmick' would pay for things like payroll tax cut

Just 1 in 3 Vets Say Iraq, Afghanistan Wars 'Worth It'

Another 1 in 3 disagree: Pew Research Center poll

Pentagon Late Fees for Storage Boxes: $720M

Overdue containers can cost $2,200 each

Time for a War Tax to Cover Our Debts

10% surcharge could cover next year's bill: Walter Pincus

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?