WASHINGTON -- The Iraq war continues to consume lives, both American and Iraqi. The conflict also is burning mountains of cash.
In early February, the Bush administration proposed a complex $715 billion defense spending package. There is $481 billion for standard Pentagon operations in 2008. There is $142 billion for the war next year. There is an extra $93 billion for the war this year -- on top of the $70 billion already approved.
Even these figures are too low, ignoring the costs of the Bush escalation. Moreover, by so straining the U.S. Army, in particular, the Iraq war has caused the administration to seek an additional 92,000 soldiers and marines. This expansion will run some $117.6 billion through 2013.