White House: The Trillion Dollar War

Not only in human lives, but in dollars as well, the costs of the Iraq war far exceed Administration forecasts (you might recall that Bush neo-cons said this war would pay for itself out of Iraqi oil revenues). Everyone is grateful that American casualties declined this year, but the amount of money spent to fight the war and rebuild the country has soared. According to ABC-TV News, poor planning could push war costs to $1 trillion.

Some retired generals who joined the Bush-bashing have been criticized, claiming their comments are “bad for the troops”. Retired Marine Corps General Tony Zinni responds by asking: “Like the troops don’t notice mistakes and incompetence?”

In a recent TV interview, General Zinni said it is a responsibility of those who have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution to speak out when they perceive threats to the nation. Like most career military officers, Zinni is a Republican, but he contrasts the management style of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld with William Cohen, his Pentagon boss during the Clinton administration.

Zinni said Cohen made it clear that differences of opinion among the military leaders must be aired. He cited two occasions when he (Zinni) differed with the recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and he was given a hearing clear up to the President so that his views could be given a hearing and consideration.

That exemplified the openness of the previous Secretary as contrasted with the treatment given by Rumsfeld and Bush neo-cons to Gen. Shinseki and other military officers who didn’t agree with them on military requirements.