Iraq war lifts Al Qaeda recruitment
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| Fri, 09-03-2004 - 12:17am |
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the war in Iraq accelerated recruitment for al Qaeda, which now has an estimated membership of 18,000.
(Source: International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2004)
US involvement in Iraq raises terror risk
Because of the Iraq war, terrorism is on the rise. A State Department report on international terrorism notes that terror-related incidents are at an all-time high.
(Source: "Patterns of Global Terrorism Report," U.S. State Department, June 1, 2004)
Iraq war draining US resources
The war has absorbed precious resources. Congress has already approved of $126.1 billion for Iraq and an additional $25 billion is heading towards congressional approval, for a total of $151.1 billion through this year. The bill will add up to an average cost of at least $3,415 for every U.S. household.
(Source: "Paying the Price...," Institute For Policy Studies and Foreign Policy In Focus, June 24, 2004)
Money in Iraq diverted from vital programs
Imagine what else we could have done with the money spent in Iraq. The $151.1 billion expenditure for the war through this year could have paid for: health care for over 27 million uninsured Americans; salaries for nearly 3 million elementary school teachers; 678,200 new fire engines; over 20 million Head Start slots for children; or health care coverage for 82 million children.
(Source: "Paying the Price...," Institute For Policy Studies and Foreign Policy In Focus, June 24, 2004
Essential first responders sent to Iraq
First responders have been diverted to the war. National Guard troops make up almost one-third of the U.S. Army troops now in Iraq. Their deployment puts a particularly heavy burden on their home communities because many are "first responders," including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
(Source: "Paying the Price...," Institute For Policy Studies and Foreign Policy In Focus, June 24, 2004)
