JQ - $800b sounds right if you include Afghanistan. I read a lot about $8billion per month for Iraq - 5 years worth is roughly $500b - but however we slice it, its a ton of money.
This "estimate" includes some bullshit though - the cost per family of $100 barrel oil for example. Oil prices are NOT about Iraq, its about China.

As far as the money goes - hopefully the Iraqi gov't will get those oil revenues going to assist - but its never been about the money for me. IF - and this is a big IF - if the cause is worthwhile, morally or security wise, I wouldn't worry about how much it costs.


Kizz - I think this is a political mistake by the democrats. They are putting this "estimate" out there, and then they are going to approve more spending for Iraq. I really think they are giving the GoP a gift by sharing responsibility. Can they really make a major case out of this next year - after funding the war for 2 years?

No, they can't make ANY sort of major case out of it next year. Not any sort of case that can hold any water anyway.

I agree with Kizz - the can't campaign on stopping the war - AGAIN.

Can't dip from that well again. I'm honestly astonished that the democrats would squander this issue for 08.

06 was the first significant congressional victory for the democrats since 94 - this issue would have ensured a white house win next time.

I really don't get it.

The only answer is that they indeed think that they can use the same campaign as last time - I think the electorate won't buy it again.

I agree completely. They need to focus on other issues, and I don't believe they will.

If they are giving up on the war (my belief is that they never intended of stopping it) - how about an energy bill? A climate change bill? An education bill?

Something ...................................... this crop passed a modest minimum wage increase and have renamed like 50 federal buildings. WTF?

You are correct. To me they have been an absolute joke. The republicans may not be doing much either, but at least as of lately they haven't been making it sound like they're so passionate about something they intend on doing nothing about.