Dick Cheney, Bush’s former deputy and architect of the war on terror, has died

The former US vice president, a key figure after 9/11, was 84

Dick Cheney, former US Vice President during George W. Bush’s two terms in office and one of the main architects of the war on terror following the attacks of 11 September 2001, has died. He was 84. The news was released by his family, who explained that the Republican politician died from complications due to pneumonia and heart problems. His wife Lynne and two daughters, Liz and Mary, were by his side until the end.

Dick Cheney, the ‘shadow vice-president’

Considered one of the most influential vice-presidents of the modern era, Cheney played a decisive role in the decisions that led the United States to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, with the stated aim of eradicating international terrorism. His strongly interventionist vision and his belief that national security should take precedence over all other priorities made him a figure who was as respected as he was controversial.

A life between power and illness

Despite suffering numerous heart attacks throughout his life, Cheney never stopped his political activity until his retirement in 2012, when he underwent a heart transplant. Since then, he has maintained a more reserved profile, while remaining a point of reference for the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

His death closes the chapter on one of the most decisive and controversial figures in contemporary American politics, the man who more than any other shaped post-9/11 America.

THE LATEST NEWS

[recent_post_slider design=”design-07″ show_author=”false” slider_height=”390″ lazyload=”progressive” limit=”6″ category=”11728″]

(Photo: © AndKronos) Dick Cheney