UPDATE: Former Vice President and Defense Secretary Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, following complications from pneumonia and cardiac disease. Cheney passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, surrounded by family, who described him as a “good man” and a “noble giant.” However, his legacy is marked by controversy and the immense human cost of his policies.
Cheney is widely recognized as the architect of the U.S. “war on terror,” which has led to the deaths of at least 4.5 million people and displaced 38 million over two decades. This legacy of war has deeply impacted the lives of millions globally and continues to resonate in current geopolitical conflicts.
Under the administration of President George W. Bush, Cheney played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. military strategy post-9/11. His actions fundamentally transformed American foreign policy and domestic surveillance practices, particularly targeting Muslim communities. The implications of his decisions are felt today as ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Somalia continue to result in human suffering.
Cheney was notorious for his exercise of power as Vice President, often acting as the de facto president. He propagated the false narrative of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which precipitated a war that led to widespread devastation. The fallout from these conflicts has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, as millions are still affected by the repercussions of his policies.
“Cheney is directly and personally responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries,” wrote William Rivers Pitt, reflecting on Cheney’s legacy of conflict and suffering.
Throughout his career, Cheney maintained a controversial stance, unapologetically defending his actions even as public opinion turned against the wars. His release of the book In My Time in 2011 further cemented his commitment to his legacy of torture and militarized responses.
In addition to his military policies, Cheney’s influence extended to domestic affairs. His advocacy for the Patriot Act facilitated unprecedented surveillance of American citizens, laying the groundwork for future administrations’ controversial use of executive power. His actions have been linked to the expansion of entities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has come under scrutiny for its aggressive tactics in the U.S.
Cheney’s impact on presidential power is undeniable, as many of the actions taken by subsequent administrations were enabled by the precedents he set. From Barack Obama’s drone warfare to Donald Trump’s focus on executive authority, Cheney’s legacy continues to shape U.S. policy.
As the world reflects on Cheney’s life and the profound implications of his decisions, many are left to grapple with the ongoing consequences of his actions. The “war on terror” remains a contentious and painful chapter in history, with its effects rippling through international relations and human rights.
Looking ahead, the discourse surrounding Cheney’s legacy will likely intensify, prompting renewed discussions on accountability, war crimes, and the ethical implications of U.S. foreign policy. The debate over the true cost of his policies and the lives affected will continue as the nation processes the impact of his decades-long influence.
