(The Center Square)–Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, the cost to taxpayers for the U.S. War on Terror is approaching $10 trillion.
Initial costs for two conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were more than $8 trillion. An additional $2 trillion will be incurred by U.S. military spending after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack against Israel and conflicts in Yemen and Iran.
Iraq and Afghanistan war costs: $8+ trillion
“From late 2001 through fiscal year 2022, the U.S. appropriated and is obligated to spend an estimated $8 trillion for the post-9/11 wars – an estimated $5.8 trillion in appropriations, plus an additional minimum of $2.2 trillion for obligations to care for the veterans of these wars through the next several decades,” according to an analysis of federal data published by Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs.
The report breaks down spending by federal agency for the conflicts between 2001 and 2022. It includes more than $2 billion initially spent by the Department of Defense, with another $884 billion in increases. It also includes more than $189 billion spent by the State Department, more than $1.1 billion spent by the Department of Homeland Security and more than $465 billion spent on veteran care.
During the 21 years analyzed, interest on federal borrowing to fund the wars exceeded $1 billion.
Afghanistan: $2 trillion
The 20-year Afghanistan conflict cost more than $2 trillion.
On Oct. 7, 2001, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan with the stated purpose of overthrowing the Taliban and dismantling al-Queda, which took credit for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. After the U.S. fought al-Queda and the Taliban for 20 years, the Biden administration withdrew U.S. troops in August 2001. The administration left $7 billion worth of U.S. military equipment behind and turned control of the country back to the Taliban.
Iraq and Syria: more than $5 trillion
The U.S. invaded Iraq in the Second Gulf War in March 2003, initially over Iraq allegedly obtaining weapons of mass destruction. The conflict lasted until December 2011.
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After imposing sanctions on Syria in 2011 and supporting the overthrow of Syria’s president Bashar Assad in 2013, the Obama administration launched airstrikes in 2014. U.S. troops have been stationed there ever since until they were pulled out in April.
According to the Brown report, the U.S. spent nearly $3 trillion on both conflicts. A Harvard Kennedy School analysis puts the total higher, noting the Iraq war cost $5 trillion.
The former Al-Qaeda leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, wanted by U.S. authorities with a $10 million bounty, is now Syria’s leader and was removed from a U.S. terrorist most wanted list by the Trump administration. The president invited him to the White House, praising the man who previously supported suicide bombers in Syria and Iraq who killed U.S. troops.
Cost on veterans: $2.5 trillion
The estimated cost of caring for post 9/11 veterans dealing with physical and mental issues is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2050, according to another Brown analysis.
Cost on interest on debt to fund war: more than $2 trillion
The Brown report refers to the War on Terror as “credit card wars. By 2030, the U.S. will have spent as much on interest payments as it did on ‘overseas contingency operations’ for the wars themselves – over $2 trillion,” it says. It also highlights perpetual spending on military contractors, big tech and weapons companies, noting that “30-40% of spending on contractors is lost to waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Post Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks: more than $34 billion
Since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack against Israel, War on Terror costs to U.S. taxpayers has skyrocketed. Within two years, the U.S. government has spent nearly $34 billion in the form of military aid to Israel and in military operations in Yemen, according to the Brown analysis.
Iran costs: $16 billion initial costs in first few days, $2 billion a day
In February, in the first few days of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, the Pentagon said munitions cost $11.3 billion. A Harvard analysis puts the total cost closer to $16 billion with the ongoing conflict costing Americans $2 billion a day.
A Center for Strategic & International Studies analysis questions Pentagon budget data. It notes that the Office of Management and Budget often disagrees with federal agencies about what to include when reporting total budget costs. It also estimates the cost to replace equipment, infrastructure damage, loss of ammunition and replace plane inventories is nearly $2 billion.
More spending requests: nearly $90 billion
In June, OMB director Russell Vought requested another $87.6 billion from Congress to support the ongoing Iran conflict, including $17 billion for operational costs.
In June, both houses of Congress passed war powers resolutions directing the president to withdraw troops from the Iranian conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.
Multiple polls conducted in March and in June and July, indicate nearly 60% of Americans polled oppose U.S. military intervention in Iran.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
