1. Iraq Current events, costs, and decisions

2. Cost of war Since 2001 New York taxpayers have paid approximately $94 billion on Iraq and Afghanistan. For the same price the government could have: Provided over 17,000,000 with health care for one year. Provided over 15,000,000 scholarships for college students for one year. Powered over 175,000,000 homes with renewable energy for one year.

3. Cost of war The current cost of the war is… As of October, monthly spending is $7.3 billion. Nobel prize economist, Joseph Stiglitz, and Harvard budget expert, Linda Bilmes, project the cost to reach over 3 trillions dollars.

4. Troops in Iraq There are approximately 115,000 troops currently in Iraq as of November. All other countries have pulled out of the country. Approximately 4000 U.S. troops have died. 54% of those troops were under 25 years old. Non-U.S. troop casualties are about 300, over 50% are from the UK.

5. Iraqi casualties In 2006 the UN reported about 50,000-100,000 Iraqi civilian casualties. This number is assumed to be under-reported. Some estimates have been as high as 600,000 civilians. About 55,000 insurgents have died so far.

6. Feeling in Iraq Over 80% of Iraqis are against foreign troops being in Iraq. Less than 1% of Iraqis credit foreign troops with improved security. Almost 70% of Iraqis feel less secure due to the occupation.

7. Effects of War Americans have less confidence in their government and foreign policy decisions. Terrorist networks have grown since we invaded. The United States’ reputation has been damaged in the eyes of the rest of the world. The U.S. debt has increased a massive amount.

8. Work Cited Arquilla, John. "Iraq war has other ill effects / Damage to the U.S. is certain to endure - SFGate." Featured Articles from SFGate. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2010.. Stanglin, Jeff. "The Effects of the Iraq War: Americans No Longer Have Confidence in Foreign Policy Matters." US Foreign Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2010.. White, Deborah. "Iraq War Facts, Statistics at February 16, 2010 - Iraq War Casualties, Spending, Iraqi Quality of Life." Liberal & Progressive Politics & Perspectives. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2010..