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US Mid-East commander steps down US Mid-East commander steps down
(about 3 hours later)
The commander of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Admiral William Fallon, is to retire from his post early.The commander of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Admiral William Fallon, is to retire from his post early.
He cited the "embarrassing situation and public perception of differences between my views and administration policy" as the reason for retiring.He cited the "embarrassing situation and public perception of differences between my views and administration policy" as the reason for retiring.
An article by Esquire magazine said he was opposed to the use of force against Iran over its nuclear activities.An article by Esquire magazine said he was opposed to the use of force against Iran over its nuclear activities.
Adm Fallon said he did not believe there were differences over policy objectives.Adm Fallon said he did not believe there were differences over policy objectives.
The 63-year-old admiral became head of the US Central Command - which covers an area from the Horn of Africa into central Asia and includes responsibility for US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan - a year ago.The 63-year-old admiral became head of the US Central Command - which covers an area from the Horn of Africa into central Asia and includes responsibility for US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan - a year ago.
'No policy differences''No policy differences'
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the decision to take early retirement was entirely Adm Fallon's, adding that he agreed it was the right thing to do.US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the decision to take early retirement was entirely Adm Fallon's, adding 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."I have approved Admiral Fallon's request to retire with reluctance and regret," he told reporters at the Pentagon.
He said the admiral would be sorely missed.He said the admiral would be sorely missed.
I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command Adm William Fallon Demise of an outspoken manProfile: William FallonI don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command Adm William Fallon Demise of an outspoken manProfile: William Fallon
President George W Bush said Adm Fallon deserved "considerable credit for progress that has been made... in Iraq and Afghanistan".President George W Bush said Adm Fallon deserved "considerable credit for progress that has been made... in Iraq and Afghanistan".
The Esquire article suggested Adm Fallon was standing up to a president supposedly contemplating war with Iran.The Esquire article suggested Adm Fallon was standing up to a president supposedly contemplating war with Iran.
He is described in the article as "the strongest man standing between the Bush Administration and a war with Iran".He is described in the article as "the strongest man standing between the Bush Administration and a war with Iran".
Mr Gates said the idea, suggested in the article, that Adm Fallon's departure indicated that the US was planning to go to war with Iran was "ridiculous".Mr Gates said the idea, suggested in the article, that Adm Fallon's departure indicated that the US was planning to go to war with Iran was "ridiculous".
He said "there is a misperception" that the admiral disagreed with the Bush administration's policies towards Iran. "I don't think there were differences at all," Mr Gates said.He said "there is a misperception" that the admiral disagreed with the Bush administration's policies towards Iran. "I don't think there were differences at all," Mr Gates said.
A statement released by Adm Fallon through Central Command's Florida headquarters seemed to reflect those sentiments.A statement released by Adm Fallon through Central Command's Florida headquarters seemed to reflect those sentiments.
"I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command," he said."I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command," he said.
"The simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there.""The simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America's interests there."
'No war''No war'
But Adm Fallon's resignation is richly suggestive of discord at the top between the military and the White House, says the BBC's Adam Brookes in Washington.But Adm Fallon's resignation is richly suggestive of discord at the top between the military and the White House, says the BBC's Adam Brookes in Washington.
Adm Fallon oversaw US operations in Iraq and AfghanistanAdm Fallon oversaw US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
Adm Fallon's comments, such as those to al Jazeera TV last year that "I expect there will be no war", incurred the wrath of the Bush administration, says our correspondent.Adm Fallon's comments, such as those to al Jazeera TV last year that "I expect there will be no war", incurred the wrath of the Bush administration, says our correspondent.
Correspondents say the resignation comes at a time when the US administration seems to be struggling on a number of fronts to maintain the international pressure on Iran, not least with the recent US National Intelligence Estimate that suggested Iran had had a nuclear weapons programme but halted it in 2003.Correspondents say the resignation comes at a time when the US administration seems to be struggling on a number of fronts to maintain the international pressure on Iran, not least with the recent US National Intelligence Estimate that suggested Iran had had a nuclear weapons programme but halted it in 2003.
The Bush administration's official policy towards Iran is to use diplomatic and economic pressures to resolve differences while retaining the possibility of military options.The Bush administration's official policy towards Iran is to use diplomatic and economic pressures to resolve differences while retaining the possibility of military options.
The US and other Western nations suspect Iran is using its nuclear programme to develop atomic weapons - a charge Tehran denies.The US and other Western nations suspect Iran is using its nuclear programme to develop atomic weapons - a charge Tehran denies.
What do you think of Admiral Fallon's decision to take early retirement? Should he have stepped down if there has been a misperception about his views on Iran? How will it affect US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan? Send us your comments using the form below.
There is more here than meets the eye and Admiral Fallon's early retirement announcement clearly points to his disagreement of the Bush administration's foreign policy bulling allies and friends to go to war against Iran. Even if he perceived it wrongly he is till is right to distance himself from an administration that has sunk American popularity around the world to the lowest levels in its history. Bravo Admiral Fallon. We need more people like you. This resignation further undermines American presence in Iraq and Afghanistan with world oinion and is vey welcoming slap in the face for George Bush although it will not affect forces there. Theo, Sao Paulo, Brasil
I'm glad to see more of our men and women choosing not to die for or support this terrible war. I don't know when "supporting the troops" and "patriotism" became synonymous with "agree with this asinine administration."Catalina, Tampa, USA
The news media are engaging in speculation that raises unfounded fears among the American public at election time that the USA is preparing to invade Iran. As such, the media appear to be taking an oblique approach at shaping an election issue that heretofore did not exist. In the absence of hard facts to the contrary--and there appear to be none--I find this to be a disgusting, deceptive, and cowardly ploy by the media and critics of the Bush Administration.Charles Conyers, Los Angeles, CA, USA
I have only one thing to say to the Admiral;thank you.Barry Walters, Winnipeg Canada
He has resigned because the policy of US in MidEast has defeated & not recived to any of its goals.hosein, Esfahan Iran
When someone of his statue and clout decides to make their voice heard, with a sentiment which is not fully shared with the current administration, then we must take notice and question whether the choices this leadership makes for us are the right ones..., Toronto, Canada
When one can not trust their own President, to be honest and forthwright, how can he or she believe that very same person won't mislead them again? Bush lied about Iraq--Whose to say what that wingnut will or will not do? I believe our Military is fully aware of its own capabilities concerning matters of warfare against another military as large as Iran's and it's elite Republican Guard. God save us all if we head down that path!!! Kenneth E. Wilhelmy, Boulder City , Nevada U.S. of America
Admiral Fallon's resignation is the type of action that a person of honor takes when he or she disagrees strongly with either diplomatic or political policy actions. The Admiral is well regarded by his peers and highly respected for his capabilities. Chuck Chastain, Tulsa, OK USA
There is a long standing tradition of not speaking out against the administration while still in uniform. Some might say this is a repercussion from MacArthur's insubordination but that's the way it goes. As the headlines have shown, once they have retired many senior commanders disagree with formal policy.Walker Bradley, West
As far as I concerned, he is innocent. He is only a sacrifice of the conflict between military and White House. His retirement won't solve the conflict. As long as the discord exists, there may be more and more commanders who are forced to step down.Tomphson , Singapore
Where there's smoke there's fire. We Americans have an administration whose intentions are cloaked in secrecy, and whose integrity has everyone scared. There was a time when we trusted Washington to do the right thing.Bart Lund, The Villages, FL
Hello . I guess Fallon was right. Perhaps he can analyze things better than Bush. I don't know why Bush and his allies still insist that Iran is persuing atomic bomb ,althogh Mr Al- baradei announced that Iran does not have any nuclear bomb and there was no trace of that . Maybe it's about time that Bush administration refresh their policies toward Iran and try to get out of the isolation .Ali, Mashad-Iran
Bravo! We are all sick and tired of Bush's petty and idiotic schemes over the Middle East. Now it's Bush and Chaney's turn to step down! Micah Mucklow, Seoul, Korea
Honestly, this is rediculous if a man such as Fallon standing against the war it should be kicked off.Max Azimi, Australia
I believe he should have stayed in office. If this administration truly allowed differing opinions Admiral Fallon would not be "taking early retirement>"Stephanie, San Diego, USA
Stop the madness, thank you admiral!colin, SAN FANCISCO USA
I applaud the Admiral's courage in speaking up for good sense, when his superiors in the chain of command lost (or surrenedered) theirs. I would have rather seen him stay on and continue to bring sanity to the rhetoric, although that would certainly have been above and beyond the call of duty for a military officer. The troop will be hard-pressed to find another leader who will be looking out for their welfare.Alan Young, San Rafael, California, USA
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