The Bush administration is expected to ask Congress for $74.7bn (�47.5bn) to pay for the war. (the BBC)

Paying for the Iraq war Military operations: $44bn Call up of reserves: $10bn Munitions: $6.5bn Reconstruction: $1.7bn Humanitarian aid: $500m FBI: $500m Coast Guard: $1.5bn Afghanistan aid: $400m Aid to Israel: $10bn Aid to Jordan, Egypt: $1bn each source: OMB, Congress

(@) I think Mr. Bush should ask his "daddie" if he wants a blank cheque, umm? (@) Also, don't you think giving Israel $10 bil is little steep? (@) The government's budgetary deficit already stands at $300 bil, sans any war expenditure. (@) Why is the US sprnding so much? The annual returns from the oil in Iraq are $25 bil

Now, investment recovery in 4 years? If I was a heartless venture capitalist, I would invest in this with my eyes closed. Bastards.