Dick Cheney, Architect of the Iraq War, Dies at 84

Serving as vice president under George W. Bush, Cheney wielded influence that redefined executive power and American foreign policy. He remained an unapologetic proponent of preemptive military action and the use of torture in the wake of the September 11 attacks. These policies, which critics argue resulted in millions of deaths, cemented his reputation as one of the most controversial figures in modern U.S. history.

The announcement of his passing drew sharp reactions from those who had long campaigned for his accountability. Journalist Mehdi Hasan encapsulated the sentiment of many critics, stating on social media that Cheney should have faced international prosecution at The Hague rather than dying at home. Despite the intense scrutiny and allegations of war crimes that followed his tenure, Cheney left office as a defining force in the neoconservative movement, leaving behind a legacy deeply scarred by the human and geopolitical costs of the conflicts he championed.