It's a different Cheney.
In reading histories of the current Gulf War I believe I've read three quotes from people who knew Cheney as an aide, Congressman, and previous Defense Secretary that he is not the same person now that he was then.
They say they don't know if it was a stroke or some other event, but do say he's changed.
Of course, in the quote you cited he was justifying his actions in the First Gulf War when he said what he said. Now he says "last throes" kind of stuff. Same reason.
Arf