Paying For The Latest War In Iraq
At the onset of the latest war with Iraq, in the early spring of 2003, it was already certain that the cost for the war alone would be staggering. The cost of the first Persian Gulf War (1990-1991) was somewhere in the area of sixty one billion dollars (International Security Studies Commission). On the 7th of September, 2003, President George W. Bush, backed by the White House, made a request to congress that would allow for an additional $87 billion in spending for the continuing occupation and reconstruction of the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. This comes following the $65 billion that the White House recently received for its activities in Iraq in 2003. Of the $87 billion, the White House says that $66 billion would go towards military operation, while the remaining $21 billion would be used in the reconstruction of both Iraq and Afghanistan. We can now see, that what once was labeled a " Quick Yield" investment in the reconstruction of Iraq has become a heavy burden for American taxpayers. One very big debate about the money for the restoration and rebuilding of Iraq is whether it should be a grant or a loan. This is the task undertaken by Appropriations Chairman Ted Stevens and his committee, who in turn
On Monday, November 3rd, the package passed through the Senate, on its way to be signed into effect by the president. In Conclusion, my view of the political system has not changed very much. One catch, is that the political donors had made it clear that their military and economic support is dependent on a UN Security Council resolution mandating a multi-national security force in Iraq and the transfer of political control to an acting Iraqi government. In addition to demanding increased clarity, members of Congress should also insist that the Administration work multilaterally to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure and economy, involve Iraqis at all policymaking levels, and develop a comprehensive plan for returning sovereignty to Iraq. We're supporting reconstruction and the emergence of democratic institutions in a vital area of the world" (Associated Press). United States officials project Iraqi oil revenues at $12 billion in 2004, and $20 billion in both 2005 and 2006. These nations also insisted on a greater clearness in the management of Iraqi assets, and a timeline for the fast transition to full Iraqi self governing, which also includes a new constitution and national elections. With the $87 billion request coming on top of a $79 billion package approved in April, Democrats argue that Bush woefully underestimated the costs of the war, the difficulty of rebuilding Iraq and the amount of international help available. First off, Iraq owes billions of dollars to other countries right now, and I do believe that we should help them, but to some certain extent. The latest White House appeal asks for $6 billion to repair Iraq's electric power system; it is estimated that this will cost $15 billion over the next several years. The Foreign Relations hearing specifically addressed what a five-year plan for Iraq would entail. "Is $87 billion a great deal of money?" Rumsfeld said before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Democrats were less charitable, arguing that what was really needed were more contributions of troops and money from U.
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