Potential Costs of a War Against Iraq

The Persian Gulf War in 1991 cost about $80 billion in constant 2002 dollars (or about $61 billion in then-year dollars). This cost includes both Desert Shield, the five-and-a half month buildup, and Desert Storm, a 38-day air campaign followed by a 100-hour combined-arms operation. The United States was able to offset most of the cost of the war with cash and in-kind contributions from allies around the world. The net cost to the United States was quite modest: about $4 billion in 2002 dollars.