Courtesy of George W. Bush Presidential Library

 

Former US Vice-President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac issues. George W Bush, under whom Cheney served, hailed his death as "a loss to the nation." Cheney was known for being a key architect of the "war on terror" and the 2003 Iraq invasion.

 

Cheney, born in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1941, was influential in American politics for decades, shaping policies as US Vice-President from 2001 to 2009. He served under the elder Bush as Secretary of Defence during the Gulf War and held various senior roles in the government. His political journey included a Master's in political science from the University of Wyoming and a storied career in the House of Representatives.

 

Cheney's death brought responses across the political spectrum. Condoleezza Rice praised his integrity, while Bill Clinton acknowledged his dedication to the nation, despite their disagreements. Despite not issuing a statement, the Biden White House acknowledged Trump's awareness of Cheney's passing.

 

Looking forward, Cheney's legacy is one of controversy and transformation in US politics, particularly regarding his involvement in foreign policy decisions post-9/11. During his tenure, his influence was evident in both his criticism and defence of US actions. Cheney's outspoken critique of Donald Trump marked a late-career shift, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the Republican party.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Dick Cheney, former US Vice-President, passes away aged 84.
• Tributes pour in, including from George W Bush and Condoleezza Rice.
• Cheney's legacy remains mixed, particularly regarding the Iraq War.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-05

 

 

A legacy of lies, wars and killings to rival Kissinger, the evildoers seem to live to a ripe old age. The only good thing he ever did was to denounce Trump.

The VP who said of his president that "he doesn't have the guts to talk to me."

He did some things during his terms as VP that enhanced the power of the VP. If Biden actually was the great power-hungry criminal mastermind Team Orange makes him out to be he would have made use of these, and deserves credit for not.  I'd like to see JD try some of Cheney's stunts, DT would probably station him in Alaska.

 

They should make a film of this man's life !

Cheney is best known for his disastrous promotion of the Second Iraq War launched on the grounds of Saddam Hussein's supposed possession of W.M.D.
Yes, it  is true Iraq at one time possessed, and used as intended against Iran, vast stocks of poison gas supplied by the U.S.

U.S. intelligence agencies knew perfectly well that, as determined by on-site inspections carried out under the auspices of the U.N., no W.M.D. were to be found in Iraq prior to its invasion.
One of many infractions of international law.  But of course international law does not figure in the nebulous "rules based order".

 

Irrespective of the findings of CIA analysts, it was the Agency's spin-doctors that had the last say.
 
What is less well known is that as early as 1991 Cheney began laying the groundwork for the Ukraine War, against the advice of more perspicacious members of the Establishment. such as an architect of the Cold War, a U.S. ambassador to Moscow, and the reservations of the President, George H.W.Bush himself.

 

Do not rely upon my word for this.  See for example:

 

The morally sombre, but intellectually bright, Henry Kissinger was one of those who, like Cheney, sought the ultimate destruction of Russian influence on the world stage.
Very much later he criticised the decision to ostracise amd isolate Russia, pushing her into the arms of China.  [a No! No! on the Mackinder Heartland doctrine].
He did not admit he had previously promoted this.
Kissinger quickly changed his tune once again when a flood of withdrawals from his hedge-fund caused it to lose value.

Bush-Cheney took Bill Clinton's budget surplus and turned it into a string of endless deficits to fund decades long wars. They destroyed the US. While Bush is still living he needs to be put on trial.

Sure wouldn't say anything bad about some neocon war monger who is dead but I can't think of anything good to say either.

Kill 'em all, let God sort 'em out...

Without doubt one of the nastiest and ruthless of Vice Presidents.

Bush pretty much locked Cheney out of government during his second term. He finally figured out that Cheney and Rumsfeld had gaslighted him into a disaster.