To the Point

How Much is America Spending for the War in Iraq?

At the outset of the Iraq war, a White House aide was fired for saying it might cost $200 billion. Now, one study says it could cost more than a trillion. Whatever the real number turns out to be, there's no question it's costing more than anybody predicted, both directly and indirectly. What's behind the claim of a trillion dollars? How much is sheer speculation? Beyond the costs of combat and reconstruction, what about the economy?What does war mean for the cost of oil? If it weren't for the war, what would the money be spent for? Whatever the costs, what are the benefits of the war in Iraq? Making News: Government in Belarus Cracks Down on Opposition ProtestersIn the central square of Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, 300 anti-government demonstrators were hauled away early this morning. That ended five days of protest against last week's rigged election. Emma Simpson, who's in Minsk for the BBC, says relatives are awaiting news of their sons and daughters, some of whom face up to 15 years in prison.Reporter's Notebook: EU to Require 'Integration Contract' of ImmigrantsWhen it returns from recess next week, the US Congress is scheduled to re-open the issue of immigration. Meantime, at a meeting in Germany, EU ministers have proposed that immigrants should pledge to learn the language of their host country, as well as the western values of democracy, free speech, the rule of law and respect for other religions. Those who break the proposed signed contracts could be deported. David Rennie is Europe correspondent for the Daily Telegraph.