War would cost up to $95bn

THE US is expected to spend up to $95 billion if war is declared on Iraq, defence officials said yesterday.

Military planners said the figure included funds to rebuild the country after a conflict and to fight the terror threat, which is expected to increase if the invasion goes ahead.

But the cost could be as low as $65 billion depending on how long the war lasts, whether American allies contribute to reconstruction and what damage Saddam Hussein does to Iraq to retaliate against conquering forces.