CinC Centcom Retires

CNN reports that Fallon resigns as chief of U.S. forces in Middle East

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — Adm. William Fallon has resigned as chief of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia after more than a year in the post, citing what he called an inaccurate perception that he is at odds with the Bush administration over Iran.

Fallon, the head of U.S. Central Command, was the subject of a recent Esquire magazine profile that portrayed him as resisting pressure for military action against Iran, which the Bush administration accuses of trying to develop nuclear weapons.

In a written statement, he said the article’s “disrespect for the president” and “resulting embarrassment” have become a distraction.

“Although I don’t believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command area of responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve America’s interests there,” Fallon said.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters at the Pentagon that he accepted Fallon’s resignation “with reluctance and regret.”

But, he added, “I think it’s the right decision.”

Admiral Fallon was appointed on March 16, 2007, and resigned on March 11, 2008. In the real world that is less than a year, but apparently not in “media world”. The man is a confirmed four-star with the maximum retirement possible, who had been planning to retire before being press-ganged into the Central Command position. He has never been political and the position has become just that. I don’t doubt it has more to do with Admiral Fallon being fed up with all the garbage than some plot, but with the Hedgemony you never know. He may have been feeling pressure to do or say something political and told them to stuff it.