Iraq enjoys surplus, we suffer oil prices

Media is updating what some people may consider progress in Iraq - Iraq could have a $79 billion surplus by year's end.

As a large producer of oil, Iraq watches this surplus continues to rise as we pay close to $4 per gallon for gasoline.

Iraq has currently spent only a minute fraction of the money on reconstruction. Most of it is now largely borne by the United States since the U.S.-led invasion.

In one comparison, the U.S. has spent $23.2 billion on security, oil, electricity and water since the invasion. But from 2006 through April 2008, Iraq has spent $3.8 billion on similar services.

The government accounting office estimates Iraq oil revenues from 2005 through the end of this year will amount to $156 billion.

In the meantime, the war continues.

O. C. Bud Grey

Arlington Heights