New analysis estimates cost for US wars at $2.4 trillion in next decade

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost as much as $2.4 trillion (€1.7 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 numbers of forces would remain in the regions. According to the analysis, the United States has spent about $604 billion (€424.5 billion) on the wars, including $39 billion (€27.4 billion) in diplomatic operations and foreign aid.