[lbo-talk] Militarism And The Economy: Is Anyone Tracking The Effects?

[Dwayne Monroe]

Regarding the US's occupation of Iraq, most essays,
conversations, speeches, etc. focus, understandably,
on the geo-political implications, the loss of life
and the exploitation of a nation.

I haven't read an essay or article or heard anyone
speaking about the impact this occupation (and
America's other military adventures) will have upon
the US economy.  Of course, we know that firms like
Haliburton expect to reap great profits but the
billions and billions of dollars - to pay personnel,
to maintain equipment, to bribe 'coalition' partners,
to pay Iraqis' salaries, the list goes on - flying
from the treasury to feed these efforts must have some
effect.

Some say the occupation will last ten years -

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-06-18-iraqtroop-usat_x.htm

Others say five -

http://reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=2972435

Regardless, each week is costing us serious money and
it shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

Are there any economy watchers out there who're paying
attention to the (I suspect draining) effect this may
be having on the US economy?

I hear talk, alternately, of stagnation and deflation,
stimulus and recovery but no mention of this huge
elephant standing in the room.

DRM

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