'08 Iraq Tab Will Soar to $200B

After beating down talk of a troop draw down, President Bush will ask Congress next week for nearly $200 billion to fund the war next year—making 2008 the most expensive year yet. The administration had originally sought $147.5 billion, but now seeks an additional $47 billion to fund equipment upgrades and maintain the troop surge, the LA Times reports.

The request will push the war's cumulative cost past $600 billion—almost as much as the Vietnam War—and heads to Congressional Democrats, who lost proposals to withdraw troops this week. War opponents see the opportunity to pick at the war through funding, but fear being accused of undermining the troops. (More Iraq stories.)