Top U.S. commander for the Iraq and Afghanistan resigns after comments about war with Iran in magazine article
WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 11, 2008) (POOL) - The top U.S. commander for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars said on Tuesday (March 11) he would quit after a magazine reported he was pushing President George W. Bush to avoid war with Iran.
Adm. William "Fox" Fallon, head of the U.S. Central Command headquarters responsible for the Middle East, insisted he did not disagree with the Bush administration over Iran but perceptions of a rift made it difficult for him to do his job.
"Admiral William Fallon is at this moment issuing a statement announcing that he's asked my approval to step down from his current duties as commander of U.S. central command and retire. Admiral Fallon advised me of his decision early this morning. He told me quote 'a current embarrassing situation, public perception of differences between my views and administration policy and the distraction this causes from the mission make this the right thing to do' unquote. I have approved Admiral Fallon's request to retire with reluctance and regret, " said Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Gates dismissed suggestions that Fallon's departure made war with Iran more likely.
The Bush administration says its policy is to use diplomacy to resolve differences with Iran, particularly over Tehran's nuclear program, but it will not rule out military action.
Washington and other Western nations say Iran is trying to develop the capability to build nuclear weapons. Iran says its program is to produce energy.
Fallon's headquarters in Tampa, Florida, oversees U.S. operations in 27 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
The first Navy officer to serve as Central Command chief, Fallon has been in the post for just under a year. He will leave his post and retire at the end of the month.
Fallon is known as a tough, plain-speaking commander but also has a reputation for favouring dialogue. He pursued good relations with China when he headed U.S. Pacific Command.
Titled "The Man Between War And Peace", the Esquire article that led to his resignation described him as challenging the White House and urging restraint on Iran.
Fallon co-operated with the author during the article's preparation but strongly criticized the story after it appeared, describing it as "poison pen stuff."
Fallon has also denied reports he has a testy relationship with Army Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.
Democrats in the U.S. Congress charged that Fallon's departure was another sign the Bush administration did not tolerate military commanders who spoke their mind.
