In doing an internet search on the actual cost of the Iraq war, I have found that the vast majority of estimates available still give estimates of 500-800 billion. However, it is common knowledge that responsible accounting practices for legitimate companies must include “known future obligations” when disclosing cost estimates. Why do so few Iraq war cost estimates fail to include even conservative projected costs for replacement of worn equipment and long term care for injured soldiers? Even if the war ended tomorrow, these costs would still accrue and push the total well into the 1-2 trillion dollar range. And surely, as is the case with Korea, we would have to leave thousands of soldiers stationed there for decades as well (I believe we’ve had 30-50k solders there for 50 years now.) So my question is, why are “realistic/inclusive” cost estimates so rare?
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