Uncertain Cost of Iraq War Has Some Wary

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=703&e=4&u=/ap/20040310/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/cost_of_war

WASHINGTON - Pressed to estimate the cost of future operations in Iraq (news - web sites), the Pentagon (news - web sites) has repeatedly said it's just too hard to do. Now the ranks of disbelievers are growing — in Congress and among private defense analysts. Some say the Bush administration's refusal to estimate costs could erode American support for the Iraq campaign, as well as the credibility of the White House and lawmakers.


"It is crucial that we have every bit of information so we can level with the taxpayer," Democratic Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin fumed recently at Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. "We don't have that information now."


"The White House plays hide and seek with the costs of the war," said Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va.


The object of their ire is President Bush (news - web sites)'s proposed defense spending for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 — a $402 billion request that didn't include money for the major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.


And it's not just Democrats who disagree with the administration's approach.

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[cornermouse]

1. Amazing that the dollar cost of the war worries

some people more than the cost in lives lost, families broken.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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3. Amazing that this is news now instead of a year ago

Do you ever get the feeling a lot of people aren't paying attention?
& when it's people in Congress that's what we should Really worry about.