Cost of Afghan war will reach $20.7-billion, group says

The government figures are coming out shortly and it seems likely they will be considerably over budget. In fairness, the strength of the Taliban is greater than expected but this added expense is not helpful right now.

CAMPBELL CLARK

Globe and Mail Update


OTTAWA — The real cost of the Afghan war will reach $20.7-billion before Canadian troops leave in 2011, according to an Ottawa-based foreign affairs organization, the Rideau Institute.

That tally includes not only the direct costs of deploying Canadian soldiers and equipment to Afghanistan, but the broader costs of health care, disability payments and the salaries of soldiers.

James Morton
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