Iraq Cost Estimate Doubled (+Afgan. add. $1 billion/mo.)

[DUreader]

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/6271430.htm


The $3.9 billion figure is almost double the $2 billion a month
estimate issued by administration officials in April. In addition, the
cost of operations in Afghanistan are now $900 million to $950
million monthly, Rumsfeld said.

During a grueling four-hour hearing, committee members
alternately complimented the military's war plan and expressed
support for rebuilding Iraq but criticized the Pentagon's planning
for the postwar stabilization of the nation.

In particular, Rumsfeld was pressed to detail efforts to reach out
to allies -- including those like France and Germany that opposed
the war -- for contributions of troops to replace battle-weary
Americans.