• Dick Cheney, former US Vice President, passed away at age 84 due to pneumonia and heart complications.
• Cheney was a key architect of the "war on terror," particularly the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
• His tenure marked an unprecedented expansion of vice presidential power in American politics.
• In later years, he became a critic of Donald Trump and the current direction of the Republican Party.
• Cheney's death has evoked varied reactions, emphasizing his complex legacy in American history.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, with his family announcing that he succumbed to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and was a pivotal figure in shaping US foreign policy in the wake of the September 11 attacks, particularly advocating for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, a move described by many as controversial and significant in American public life, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

A key architect of the so-called "war on terror," Cheney's actions as vice president redefined the office and transformed American military engagement globally. He played a literal and metaphorical role as a 'chief operating officer' within the Bush administration, guiding critical decisions on national security, quite unlike previous vice presidents, according to Middle East Eye and BBC.

Cheney's tenure is marked by his strong advocacy for preemptive military actions and the use of controversial interrogation techniques against suspected terrorists. These policies made him one of the most polarizing politicians in American history, facing both staunch support and fierce opposition as the Iraq War prolonged and costs mounted, as highlighted by CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

In his later years, Cheney became increasingly critical of the direction of the Republican Party, particularly under Donald Trump’s influence. His remarks against Trump, including a statement that "never has there been a greater threat to our republic," signified his opposition to the party's shift towards populism, as reported by India Times and Reuters.

His family released a heartfelt statement, remembering Cheney as "a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing." The intricate legacy he leaves behind combines a dedication to national service with a controversial assessment of his decisions, as described in statements from political contemporaries and his family's tribute, according to Times of India and HuffPost.