Dick Cheney’s role in ‘war on terror’ may have paved way for Trumpism

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney's actions during the "war on terror" may have laid the groundwork for Trumpism by undermining the independence of intelligence agencies and the US's adherence to international law. As George W. Bush's second-in-command, Cheney aggressively expanded presidential power, advocating for the invasion of Iraq and the use of torture on detainees. He argued that the presidency had been too constrained and that a president needed a free hand to wield American power globally. Cheney defended the use of "enhanced interrogation" techniques, claiming they kept the country safe, although there is no evidence to support this and their use has tainted legal proceedings. The establishment of the Guantánamo Bay detention camp is another legacy of his tenure. Despite the prolonged civil conflict and loss of Iraqi civilian lives, Cheney maintained that the invasion of Iraq was justified, asserting it was the most likely nexus between terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, despite the fact that such weapons were not found. He is accused of pressuring intelligence agencies to produce reports aligning with the administration's belief in existential threats, even visiting CIA headquarters to influence analysts. This manipulation of the intelligence-policy relationship is... download the app to read more