Reflecting on the Iraq & Afghanistan conflicts

The United States lost 2,459 military personnel in Afghanistan between October 2001 and August 2021, with 1,922 of those killed in action. In addition, there were civilian contractor fatalities, with estimates around 1,822, and 18 CIA operatives also killed during the conflict. The total death toll from the conflict, however, is much higher, including significantly more Afghan civilians and other allied troops, as well as those who died indirectly from the war’s effects on infrastructure and public health

In the 20 years since September 11, 2001, the United States has spent more than $2 trillion on the war in Afghanistan. That’s $300 million dollars per day, every day, for two decades. Or $50,000 for each of Afghanistan’s 40 million people.

In March 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq vowing to destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and end the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein. When WMD intelligence proved illusory and a violent insurgency arose, the war lost public support. Saddam was captured, tried, and hanged and democratic elections were held. In the years since, there have been over 4,700 U.S. and allied troop deaths, and more than one hundred thousand Iraqi civilians have been killed. Meanwhile, questions linger over Iraq’s fractious political situation.

The CBO estimated that of the $2.4 trillion long-term price tag for the war, about $1.9 trillion of that would be spent on Iraq, or $6,300 per US citizen in just under 9 years.

Does this make sense to you?