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Iraq war could cost as much as WWII

The Christian Science Monitor has estimates from leading economists.

Federal News Network Staff

October 26, 2011 6:54 pm

< a min read

The war in Iraq may wind up costing as much as World War II.

According to Christian Science Monitor, University of Columbia economist Joseph Stiglitz and Harvard University budget expert Linda Bilmes say the total cost could reach $4.6 trillion, after adding in the cost of equipment replacement and refurbishing, and ongoing medical costs and disability claims for veterans of the war.

Barry Ritholtz, CEO of Wall Street research firm Fusion IQ, says the adjusted-for-inflation total for World War II was 3.6 trillion, according to the report. Initial estimates for fighting in Iraq were $50 to 60 billion.

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