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Linda J. Bilmes

What have we learned from Iraq?

As Iraq war winds down, the conflict offers expensive lessons

By Linda J. Bilmes

 |   

  December 07, 2011

This month, after nearly nine years, the American war in Iraq is finally drawing to a close. At its peak, 170,000 Americans were stationed in more than 500 military bases across the country. In total, over two million US troops have served in Iraq; now we are down to the last 18,000, with hundreds leaving every day. With the end of the war looming, we can say for certain that the total cost will be at least $4 trillion.

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