COST OF RECONSTRUCTION: Building a new foundation

“ Total U.S. reconstruction assistance from fiscal year 2003-06 is estimated at about $34 billion. World Bank and Coalition Provisional Authority combined estimate reconstruction costs through 2007 at $55 billion.

“ At the time of the invasion, Iraq’s debt, both public and private, was estimated at $125 billion, not including $29 billion in unpaid Gulf War reparations.

“ Of the roughly $34 billion in appropriated funds from accounts directed at reconstruction purposes, about 33 percent is targeted at infrastructure projects; about 40 percent is used to train and equip Iraqi security forces; roughly 27 percent is in place to offer advice to the government, establish business, rehabilitate schools and health clinics.

“ The Iraqi government has estimated between $650 million and $750 million annually is needed to operate and maintain U.S.-sponsored projects alone.