UPDATE: Former U.S. Vice President and controversial war architect Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. He passed away on November 3, 2023, due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac disease, as confirmed by his family.
Cheney’s death marks a pivotal moment in U.S. history, as he leaves behind a divisive legacy tied to the post-9/11 wars that have resulted in the deaths of at least 4.5 million people globally and displaced 38 million more. His role as the architect of the “war on terror” reshaped the United States’ military and foreign policy for decades.
As Vice President under George W. Bush, Cheney was a driving force behind the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, promoting the narrative of weapons of mass destruction and justifying military action that led to widespread violence and humanitarian crises.
“Dick Cheney is the ultimate American terrorist,” wrote Truthout columnist William Rivers Pitt, reflecting on Cheney’s profound impact on U.S. governance and military strategy.
Cheney’s policies not only escalated military conflicts but also expanded surveillance and curtailed civil liberties, paving the way for controversial measures like the Patriot Act. His administration’s actions have had lasting repercussions, enabling future presidents to adopt similar authoritarian tactics.
Throughout his career, Cheney maintained a controversial stance on military operations, infamously predicting that the U.S. would be “greeted as liberators” in Iraq, a statement that has haunted his legacy amid the staggering human cost of war.
His tenure as Secretary of Defense during the Gulf War further solidified his reputation for aggressive military strategy, while his connections to the oil industry raised ethical questions about conflicts of interest, especially during the Iraq War.
As the world reflects on Cheney’s life and legacy, the ongoing ramifications of his policies are evident in current U.S. military actions and immigration laws, including the establishment of ICE under the Homeland Security Act.
Cheney’s death prompts critical conversations about accountability for the wars and policies he championed, as the U.S. grapples with the long-lasting effects of his controversial decisions. As a figure who embodied the complexities of American power, his passing is not just a personal loss; it is a moment for reckoning on the broader implications of his actions.
The legacy of Dick Cheney will undoubtedly continue to provoke discussion and debate, as many seek to understand the full impact of his contributions to American military policy and governance.
