Economics and the War in Iraq

The Iraq War is killing thousands of our American soldiers, severely injuring both mentally and physically thousands more of our troops, and adding to the decline of the United States’ economy. Putting $1 trillion into this war is negatively affecting the United States economy. Withdrawing from the war would help prevent the impending economic crisis. Michael Babula, candidate for Maryland’s fourth congressional district, has always opposed the war in Iraq and supports withdrawal of the troops, while Wynn and Edwards, Babula’s opponents, have seemingly been hypocritical in their views about the War in Iraq.

According to an article in USA today, titled “Foreign policy as an economic drag,” John Quelch, professor at the Harvard Business School, says, “"the cost to the American economy could be far greater than the cost of the war." Sales of brand-name companies, such as the Gap, McDonalds and Ford in Europe is dramatically declining in Europe because of our foreign policy.(Foreign Policy as an economic drag). Because of these declines, the United States may see effects in job creation and the stock market (Foreign Policy as an economic Drag) , therefore affecting our economy in a negative way. If the United States implemented Babula’s plan of leaving Iraq, then the economy would be able to fix these issues.

Instead of spending the predicted $1 trillion on the war in Iraq, the United States could be spending the money on other programs and policies which would improve problems that have surfaced in America, and will therefore stimulate the economy rather than burden it. If these programs would take place, it would result in an increase in healthy adults and citizens, which therefore increase the chance of these people making a great difference to the world. An article in the New York Times Upfront, titled, “What $1 trillion can buy [besides the war in Iraq)”, relates the cost of the war in Iraq to what the money could be used for. Programs mentioned include, “unprecedented public-health campaign…universal preschool across the country; a huge increase in reconstruction funds for New Orleans”. All of these programs would stimulate the economy by providing healthier and more educated citizens able to work and therefore invest in the economy. If we were to withdrawal from the war in Iraq, such as Babula intends, the funds going toward the war could be repositioned to these other programs beneficial to the economy.

Michael Babula has always opposed the war in Iraq, and according to Babula’s campaign website, he will call for immediate withdrawal of the troops from Iraq. Babula believes that the United States needs to shift resources to promoting democracy in the Middle-Eastern nations.(www.babula2008.com) Babula’s opponents have not stood still with their opinion on the war like Michael Babula. Edward’s website says she will, “Continue to be an outspoken voice to end the war in Iraq.” (http://www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com/node/215). Teitelbaum at CQ Politics states, “‘Arca Foundation, where Edwards is executive director, holds $1.8 million in investments in multi-national oil and gas companies including almost $1 million in investments in Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton’” (http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002652921). Both are a part of the invasion of Iraq. Wynn’s website clearly states that it is time to end the war and supports legislation to end it. (http://www.albertwynnforcongress.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=27), but it does not mention that Wynn voted to authorize use of force in Iraq.

The war in Iraq is damaging our economy by declining sales of brand-name companies throughout Europe which therefore affects our job creation and stock market. It is also spending billions of dollars which could be spent on programs that would stimulate our economy and not hurt it. Babula’s plan works for our economy. His opponents’ plans are inconsistent.