[ABC]Top U.S. Middle East Commander Resigns

Hopefuly the original Esquire article was wrong.

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Top U.S. Middle East Commander Resigns
CENTCOM Commander Adm. William Fallon Resigns, Citing Magazine Article on Iran Policy

Admiral William Fallon, the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East, hasresigned, citing a magazine article in which appeared to criticize President George W. Bush's policy toward Iran.

In a statement released by U.S. Central Command, Fallon cited the a recent Esquire magazine article which suggested differences between his views and Administration policies concerning Iran

"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," Fallon said in a written statement.

"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." Fallon's statement read.

"I have therefore concluded that it would be best to step aside and allow the Secretary and our military leaders to move beyond this distraction… and focus on the achievement of our strategic objectives in the region. I have submitted my request to retire to the Secretary of Defense."

In a recent interview with Esquire magazine, Fallon is described as being the only man standing between the Bush Administration and 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. He is that rarest of creatures in the Bush universe: the good cop on Iran, and a man of strategic brilliance. His name is William Fallon," reads the magazine article.

In announcing Fallon's resignation Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gates said it was "a cumulative kind of thing. It isn't the result of any one article or any one issue."

When asked if today announcement might be interpreted as a move closer toward military action against Iran, Gates said, "that's ridiculous, just ridiculous ... the notion that this portends anything in change of iran policy is to quote myself ridiculous."

Gates said Tuesday that Fallon had asked him for permission to retire and Gates agreed. Gates said it was "the right thing to do."

Gates said it was "ridiculous" that Fallon's departure signals the United States is planning to go to war with Iran. The Defense Secretary also said there was a "misperception" that Fallon disagrees with the administration's approach to Iran.

In the article, Fallon is quoted as saying Bush administration rhetoric against Iran is "not helpful."

The article reads: "So while Admiral Fallon's boss, President George W. Bush, regularly trash-talks his way to World War III and his administration casually casts Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as this century's Hitler (a crown it has awarded once before, to deadly effect), it's left to Fallon -- and apparently Fallon alone -- to argue that, as he 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.'"

The President Tuesday issued a written statement wishing Fallon the best.

Fallon is in Baghdad, making the rounds to speak to all of his commanders.

ABC News' Martha Raddatz spoke to Fallon Tuesday as he was waiting to go in and see General David Petraeus, the U.S. Commander in Iraq.

Fallon told ABC News that he sensed that the Esquire article angered members of the administration.

A senior administration official met with Gates as soon as the article came out and was very worried about the reaction from the White House at that time.

Fallon told Raddatz he is grateful for the way Gates handled his resignation.

Fallon, who has had a 41-year career in the Nav, took the Central Command post on March 16, 2007, succeeding Army Gen. John Abizaid, who retired. Fallon previously served as commander of U.S. Pacific Command.

His resignation was applauded by Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"I support Secretary Gates' decision to accept Adm. Fallon's letter of resignation and request for retirement. I also respect the reasons for which Adm. Fallon submitted it and applaud his ability to recognize the responsibility before him," Mullen said in a written statement.

He had an enormous impact not only on the way we operate and fight in this new century, but also on the way in which we stay engaged globally," Mullen's statement read.

Gates said that until a permanent replacement is nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Fallon's place will be taken by his top deputy, Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey.

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