Linda Bilmes - U.S.-Iraq ProCon.org

"In responding to cost-based criticisms of the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the Bush Administration argues that one does not go to war on the basis of calculations by bean counters. After all, Franklin Roosevelt did not wait to respond to Pearl Harbor until his budget analysts could assay the costs and benefits. But, with Iraq, America had a choice of whether and when to attack. If there ever was a 'project' that should have been subject to careful scrutiny from all perspectives – including the economics – this was it."

"Encore: Iraq Hemmorrhage," with co-author Joseph E. Stiglitz
The Milken Institute Review, Fourth Quarter, 2006

Name:	Linda Bilmes
Title:	Professor, Harvard University
Position:	No position found to the question "Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?"
Reasoning:	"In responding to cost-based criticisms of the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the Bush Administration argues that one does not go to war on the basis of calculations by bean counters. After all, Franklin Roosevelt did not wait to respond to Pearl Harbor until his budget analysts could assay the costs and benefits. But, with Iraq, America had a choice of whether and when to attack. If there ever was a 'project' that should have been subject to careful scrutiny from all perspectives – including the economics – this was it." "Encore: Iraq Hemmorrhage," with co-author Joseph E. Stiglitz The Milken Institute Review, Fourth Quarter, 2006
Credibility/ Ranking:	Organization/VIP/Other Individuals and organizations that do not fit into the other star categories.
Involvement:	2002-present - Professor, Harvard University 1999-2001 - Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, U.S. Department of Commerce 1997-1998 - Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget 1997 - Involved in the National Performance Review, Office of the U.S. Vice President
Education:	M.B.A., with honors, Harvard University, 1984 A.B., cum laude, Government, Harvard University, 1980
Relevant Affiliations:	Member, Advisory Committee, The Atlantic Magazine Editorial Boardmember, Prospect Magazine (UK) Advisory Boardmember, Win Back Respect 1988-1997 - Boston Consulting Group, LTD - Principal (1994-1997), Senior Engagement Manager (1989-1991), and Consultant (1988-1989)
Contact Info:	Phone: 617-495-4753 FAX: 617-496-2554 E-Mail: linda_bilmes@ksg.harvard.edu Web Site: http://ksghome.harvard.edu/~lbilmes/index.htm
Other:	Select publications: "Soldiers Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan: The Long-term Costs of Providing Veterans Medical Care and Disability Benefits," Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Faculty Research Working Paper Series, 1/9/07 "Encore: Iraq Hemmorrhage" (with co-author Joseph E. Stiglitz), The Milken Institute Review, Fourth Quarter, 2006 "The Trillion Dollar War," The New York Times, 8/20/05 "Bush’s Future Is in Blair’s hands," Financial Times, 3/07/03