In encouraging his followers to weigh the cost of discipleship, Jesus speaks of a king who weighs troop levels and the prospects for success in war. Such concerns are on the nation’s mind this week as the country marks the official end of the combat mission in a still-fragile Iraq, while in Afghanistan the troop casualty toll continues to rise.

War and nation-building are costly undertakings. The U.S. has paid “a huge price” since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Obama said in an address from the Oval Office Tuesday evening marking the end of the U.S. combat mission. “To date, the war has cost more than 4,400 U.S. lives and at least $750 billion.

“We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home,” Obama said. “Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it’s time to turn the page.”

Even as he spoke hopefully of winding down one war, the president faces Americans’ waning patience and support for continuing the war in Afghanistan that began in 2001 and remains the central battlefield in the U.S. fight against al Qaeda. Casualties are escalating along with troop levels as the U.S. and allies make an effort to regain momentum from the Taliban insurgency.

Despite the escalation, the president was quick to set limits on the U.S.’ role. “But, as was the case in Iraq, we cannot do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves,” he said, repeating his pledge to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan next July.

Source: Articles by Margaret Taley and Warren P. Strobel for McClatchy Newspapers, Holly Bailey for ABC News, Helene Cooper and Sheryl Gay Stolberg for the New York Times, and Christopher Bodeen for the Associated Press