Iraq war now costing US $4.7bn a month

THE war in Iraq, which is costing the US $4.7 billion per month, is being pushed over budget by the increased violence, threatening a $4bn shortfall by late summer.

General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the recent decision to extend the stay of some 20,000 troops will cost roughly $700 million more over three months.

And the White House kept open the possibility that it will seek additional funds before the end of this election year.