Fallon resigns as head of Centcom

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," he 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."

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This is unfortunate. People with an agenda to thwart US policy involving Iran have been projecting their views on this commander. They claimed that he would quit if the President ordered an attack, and in fact he quit because they misrepresented his views. Fallon deserved better from the media, but he could have been more forceful in stating his agreement with US policy. His replacement is Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey who has been deputy commander of Centcom.

Fox News has more on the resignation.

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Gates said it is "ridiculous" to assume that because Fallon is leaving, the U.S. is preparing war against Iran or has changed its policy at all toward Iran.

"As I say, the notion that this decision portends anything in terms of change in Iran policy is, to quote myself, 'ridiculous,'" he said.

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OK. Iran can stand down from Defcon one. But will that satisfy the Kos Kids?