In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around foreign policy and military engagement, particularly in the Middle East. The speaker criticized previous military interventions, arguing that they resulted in significant loss of life and financial expenditure without tangible benefits. He highlighted the staggering cost of U.S. military actions, estimating it at $9 trillion, and questioned the effectiveness of these strategies, stating, \"What did we get other than lots of dead people?\"

The speaker expressed disapproval of ongoing military presence in countries like Syria and Iraq, suggesting that such actions only serve to escalate conflicts rather than resolve them. He pointed out that the U.S. has left behind a destabilized region, with Iran gaining influence over Iraq as a consequence of American military actions.

The conversation also touched on the legacy of former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney. The speaker recounted his critical stance towards Cheney's decisions during the Iraq War, asserting that they led to disastrous outcomes. He noted that Cheney had endorsed him during his presidential campaign, which he found surprising given their past disagreements.

Additionally, the speaker reflected on his decision to pardon Scooter Libby, a former aide to Cheney, whom he believed had been treated unfairly. He described the pardon as a necessary act that previous administrations failed to undertake, emphasizing the loyalty Libby showed during his legal troubles.

The meeting concluded with a pointed critique of Liz Cheney, labeling her as a \"radical war hawk\" and expressing disappointment that her father chose to support her over him, despite their shared history. The speaker's remarks underscored a broader critique of interventionist policies and the complexities of political loyalty within the context of military strategy.