Quote:
Originally Posted by ruchase
Stricly from a loss of life, you're correct. However, you're over simplifying the nature of Afganistan (and Iraq). This is a protracted war with no end in sight, unlike Normandy. We don't get to storm the some beach or secure the hilltop - rather, we have no idea what the outcome will be. In essence, the loss of any U.S. life now is costlier, as we will likely see no return.
In fact, one might argue after all is said and done, the U.S. (and western world) will be less safe once we pull out of this region, as we have destroyed all their infrastructure and created a haven for radical militant groups.
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Okay, on a per-day basis WWII cost more US military lives that Iraq and Afghanistan combined. WWII = 130k/4 years about 30K/year. 6k in Afghan/Iraq war over 10 years (more or less) = 600/year.
We have been in Korea for a generation. Lost about 55K altogether (IIRC) which is about 1,000/year. Of all the wars fought by the USA, Korea is the longest war, by far. No peace treaty.
An interesting statistic would be the cost/life in constant dollars. I'm betting we spend a lot more per life than any other war in history. I dunno, maybe the Revolution was more expensive, in constant dollars.