Re:We are in effect training them how to fight us. (Score 2, Informative)

The cost of the war is about $120 Billion a year. Given that the US economy is roughly $13 Trillion a year, that represents less than a %1 percent marginal cost. During the Cold War, total defense spending ranged from 5% (the 1980's) to 14% (the 1950's) of GDP. "At 4 percent of GDP, defense spending is one and a half percentage points of GDP below the 45-year historical average and well below Cold War and Vietnam War levels." http://www.heritage.org/research/features/BudgetChartBook/charts_s/s7.cfm Given that the Surge is working (according to the NYT) and the US is crushing Al Queda in Iraq, its money well worth spent. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/21/opinion/21friedman.html?bl&ex=1195966800&en=39c89c8e523b54d9&ei=5087%0A