By the numbers

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on April 8, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Snippets from the Toronto Star’s Iraq War Index:

  • \$850 billion: Estimated military spending in the world in 2002.
  • 50: Percentage spent by U.S.
  • 0.0015: Percentage spent by Iraq.
  • 1 in 6: Chance the U.S. bombed Iraq on any given day last year.
  • 98: During the first Gulf War, the reported “success rate” (or percentage of accurate strikes) by Tomahawk cruise missiles.
  • 10: Pentagon’s estimated “success rate” after the war ended.
  • 92: Between Sept. 14, 2002 and Feb. 7, 2003, percentage of news stories airing on NBC, ABC and CBS that originated directly from White House, Pentagon or State Department.
  • 236,202: The number of times Osama bin Laden was mentioned in international media reports between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 11, 2002.
  • 57, 667: The number of times Osama bin Laden was mentioned between Sept. 11, 2002 and today.
  • 66,648: The number of times Saddam Hussein was mentioned between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 11, 2002.
  • 225,147: The number of times Saddam Hussein was mentioned between Sept. 11, 2002 and today.
  • 13: Percentage of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 who could find Iraq on a map prior to the war.
  • 1: Number of countries that have used nuclear weapons against another country.

(via Stavros)