Pentagon Pressed for Iraq War's Costs

WASHINGTON - Pressed to estimate the cost of future operations in Iraq (news - web sites), the Pentagon (news - web sites) has repeatedly said it is just too hard to do. Now the ranks of disbelievers are growing — in Congress and among private defense analysts. Some say the Bush administration's refusal to estimate costs could erode American support for the Iraq campaign, as well as the credibility of the White House and lawmakers.


"It is crucial that we have every bit of information so we can level with the taxpayer," Democratic Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin recently told Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. "We don't have that information now."


"The White House plays hide and seek with the costs of the war," said Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va."

(more)


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=703&e=4&u=/ap/20040311/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/cost_of_war