To the Point
The Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may cost America $3 trillion, a far cry from the $50 billion estimated when combat began. How did the expenses get so high? How long will it take to pay them off? Will the benefits be worth the money? Also, Florida and Michigan lobby to seat Democratic delegates, and saber rattling and diplomacy in South America.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may cost America $3 trillion, a far cry from the $50 billion estimated when combat began. How did the expenses get so high? How long will it take to pay them off? Will the benefits be worth the money? Also, Florida and Michigan lobby to seat Democratic delegates. On Reporter’s Notebook, will Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador settle their differences without going to war?
Banner image: President Bush embraces Daniel Murphy, father of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, prior to the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on October 22, 2007. The lieutenant was killed during a reconnaisance mission in Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces on June 28, 2005.
In this episode
3 storiesFlorida and Michigan Lobby to Seat Democratic Delegates
Democrats in Florida and Michigan broke party rules by holding their primaries earlier than they were supposed to. The candidates agreed not to campaign in those states and not to let their delegates be seated at the August convention.
Read the story6 minThe Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan...for the Next Hundred Years
When the Iraq invasion was launched, Pentagon officials said it would be financed in large part by Iraqi oil money. The estimated for the United States was $50 billion. Five years later, the reality is higher by orders of magnitude. A Nobel Prize winning economist pegs the cost at $3 trillion.
Read the story36 minColombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and the FARC
Colombia's air strike in Ecuador killed an important leader of the FARC rebel group, but Ecuador denounced the raid as a violation of sovereignty. The Organization of American States has now passed a resolution that satisfied both those countries.
Read the story7 min
