Why Did William Fallon Resign?

The commander of U.S. forces engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan resigned Friday. He was denied testifying along with General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to Congress. Why? He disagreed with the Bush Administration and publicly stated that there would be no war with Iran "on his watch."

From the Voice of America:

The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Central Asia and East Africa stepped down Friday, after just a year in command, following allegations he had disagreed with the Bush Administration on some key policies. VOA's Al Pessin reports from the headquarters of U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida.

It was the last day in command for Admiral William Fallon, and it came several months earlier than expected. The Florida sunshine, dress uniforms and upbeat music could not mask the fact that this ceremony was not expected to happen until later in the year, or even next year. That changed when Admiral Fallon was depicted in an Esquire magazine article earlier this month as the only man standing between the United States and war with Iran.

Indeed, Admiral Fallon did say several months ago that war rhetoric from some members of the White House staff was not helpful in his effort to ease tensions in the Middle East. And he has publicly opposed some other key policies, including, initially, the surge of U.S. forces into Iraq.

Pessin, Al. 28-Mar-2008. US Middle East Commander Steps Down After Controversy. Voice of America.