The costs, and gains, of war

The sending and maintenance of a military contingent to Iraq will cost the Defense Ministry zł. 22 million. The cost of war is further increased by the zł. 30 million previously spent on preparing military units for the mission, which together amount to $13 million. Polish enterprises, however, are forced to buy more expensive fuel, which in turn is unfavorable for the economy. On another level there are profits, more difficult to estimate yet nevertheless palpable. A considerable number of companies, have managed to negotiate contracts as a result of the war, such as for supplying gas masks and special materials for insulating windows, as well as offering transport services. Furthermore, domestic companies count on participating in the reconstruction of Iraq. President Bush requested Congress to earmark $75 million to cover the costs of war, $15 million of which is destined for Poland. (Rzeczpospolita,p.B1) A.C.