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US Mid-East commander steps down US Mid-East commander steps down
(20 minutes later)
The commander US forces in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, is stepping down, Defence Secretary William Gates has announced. The commander of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Admiral William Fallon, is to retire from his post early.
Mr Gates said Adm Fallon's request for early retirement had been granted. He cited the "embarrassing situation and public perception of differences between my views and administration policy" as the reason for retiring.
The 63-year-old admiral became head of US Central Command a year ago, after serving as head of US Pacific command. He was the subject of a recent article by Esquire magazine, which said he was opposed to the use of force against Iran over its nuclear programme.
An article which appeared in the US Esquire magazine last week suggested he was opposed to President George W Bush's tough policy on Iran. The 63-year-old admiral became head of the US Central Command a year ago.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the decision to take early retirement was entirely Adm Fallon's, added that he agreed it was the right thing to do.
"I have approved Admiral Fallon's request to retire with reluctance and regret," he told reporters at the Pentagon, adding that he would be sorely missed.
President George W Bush said the admiral deserved "considerable credit for progress that has been made... in Iraq and Afghanistan".