Top military leader Fallon resigns

The sudden resignation of the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East yesterday presents a precarious situation for Central Command, some Pentagon officials say, and will “leave a hole” difficult to fill, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

A “misperception” in a feature article published in Esquire last week was a deciding factor in the early resignation of Adm. William J. Fallon but it was not the only factor, Mr. Gates said.

The article, titled “The Man Between War and Peace,” alluded to the differences in policy between Adm. Fallon and the Bush administration regarding Iran.

“I don’t think that there really were differences at all,” Mr. Gates said yesterday. “But I think there is this misperception out there that there were. The fact is, that administration policy is to try and deal with the Iranian challenge through diplomatic and economic pressures and sanctions.”

Even months of trying to “put this misperception behind us,” it hasn’t worked, Mr. Gates added.

Adm. Fallon, who was the first Navy officer to head Central Command in the Middle East, noted the Esquire article finalized his decision to retire early.

“Recent press reports suggesting a disconnect between my views and the president’s policy objectives have become a distraction at a critical time and hamper efforts in the CentCom region,” he said. “And 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.”

The article written by Thomas P.M. Barnett, a well-known military analyst, portrayed Adm. Fallon as the single voice of opposition to the administration’s policies with Iran.

In the article, Adm. Fallon is described as a lone voice against the administration’s policies regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

The article also states that Adm. Fallon told Al Jazeera last fall: “This constant drumbeat of conflict … is not helpful and not useful. I expect that there will be no war, and that is what we ought to be working for. We ought to try to do our utmost to create different conditions.

“What America needs, Fallon says, is a ‘combination of strength and willingness to engage.’ ”

The article also alluded that if Adm. Fallon is forced to resign, the U.S. will be one step closer to war with Iran.

“If, in the dying light of the Bush administration, we go to war with Iran, it’ll all come down to one man. If we do not go to war with Iran, it’ll come down to the same man,” the article states, referring to Adm. Fallon.

Yesterday, Mr. Gates said “it’s ridiculous” that the U.S. would go to war with Iran now that Adm. Fallon has retired.

“I am presented with dealing with Admiral Fallon’s decision, the notion that this decision portends anything with a change in Iran’s policy … is ridiculous,” he said.

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