Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed he died on Monday night from complications of pneumonia, cardiac, and vascular disease. Cheney served as Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, a period during which he played a significant role in major policy decisions, including the "war on terror" and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Early Life and Political Career
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Dick Cheney attended Yale University on a scholarship but did not graduate. He later earned a Master's degree in political science from the University of Wyoming. His career in Washington began in 1968, working for Republican Representative William Steiger.
Cheney became White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford in the 1970s at the age of 34. He subsequently served a decade in the House of Representatives. During the administration of George H.W. Bush, Cheney held the position of Secretary of Defense, overseeing the Pentagon during the 1990-91 Gulf War, which involved a US-led coalition expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Vice Presidency Under George W. Bush
In 2001, Cheney assumed the role of Vice President under George W. Bush. During this period, he exerted considerable influence on American foreign policy and national security, particularly following the September 11, 2001, attacks. He was a leading advocate for US military action in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
In the period leading up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Cheney stated that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed weapons of mass destruction. These weapons were not located during the subsequent military campaign. He also claimed links existed between Iraq and al-Qaeda, the group responsible for the 9/11 attacks. In 2006, Cheney stated, "The fact is we know that Saddam Hussein and Iraq were heavily involved with terror." He also indicated that the attackers would face the "full wrath" of American military power. In 2005, Cheney cautioned about "decades of patient effort" in the war on terror, asserting it "will be resisted by those whose only hope for power is through the spread of violence." His involvement in the Iraq War contributed to a lengthy US military engagement, which led to significant casualties.
Later Years
In his later years, Cheney became a critic of the Republican party's leadership under Donald Trump.
Family Statement
His family released a statement: "Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love, kindness, and fly fishing."