U.S. Global War on Terror Has Taken Nearly 1M Lives (2021)

3 days ago

The U.S.-led global war on terror has resulted in nearly 1 million deaths and cost over $8 trillion since its inception.
Brown University’s Costs of War Project reports 897,000 to 929,000 deaths, including 387,000 civilians, 207,000 national military/police, and 301,000 opposition fighters.
Economic costs include $2.3 trillion in Afghanistan/Pakistan, $2.1 trillion in Iraq/Syria, and $355 billion in Somalia/Africa, with additional domestic security spending of $1.1 trillion.
The report highlights the undercounting of deaths due to indirect causes like war-related disease and infrastructure collapse.
U.S. military practices, such as labeling military-age males as combatants, have led to civilian casualties being underreported.
The war in Iraq alone cost trillions, far exceeding initial estimates of $50-$200 billion, and contributed to regional destabilization.
The Costs of War Project questions the strategic outcomes of these conflicts, noting the rise of groups like ISIS and ongoing instability.
The report emphasizes the long-term societal and economic costs, including veteran care expenses projected to exceed $2.2 trillion by 2050.

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