Iraq can afford to pay its own way

Nothing sheds light on commitment like putting a monetary price on it.

Sen. Ben Nelson and other lawmakers say they'll try to attach legislation to an Ira q war funding bill that would require Baghdad to begin taking on more of the costs of their own defense and reconstruction.

And why not? While the United States has spent about $45 billion on Iraqi reconstruction projects, Iraq may have a $60 billion budget surplus this year.

That's largely because of the high price the country's crude oil is bringing.

At the same time, the Pentagon is paying about $153 million a month to buy fuel for our vehicles in Iraq, or about $3.23 a gallon for gasoline.

Iraqi citizens, however, pay only about $1.30 a gallon, thanks to an Iraqi government subsidy.

Congress is expected to debate the spending of $100 billion in new war funds for Iraq and Afghanistan later this month and in May.

While presidential candidates debate when and how to bring our troops back home, perhaps an easier solution is being overlooked.

If the Iraqis don't want to pony up a few more bucks for their own safety and welfare, they should take on the full load themselves.

Seems fair enough to us.