The estimates I'm hearing are about $9 billion a month, which is a hell of a lot less than $45 billion a month from your figure. I'd be interested in seeing the basis for that price estimate. It sounds to me like someone dug deep into the anal data store to come up with it. Besides, I can't recall a single previous time in our history where the price of a war was a deciding factor when the cause is just (and I believe it is just).

Frankly, I look at the $9 billion a month estimate with some doubt as well. There will be some substancial costs for weapons expended, fuel consumed, general wear and tear (depreciation) on weapons systems like aircraft, and the like. Other than combat pay, it costs the same to pay are military personnel whether they're in Iraq or Iowa. Ships will still operate in peacetime or war. The costs seem a bit high to me.