Capitol Hill was quick to respond to word that top U.S. commander in the Middle East, Adm. William J. Fallon, was stepping down because of differences with the Bush administration on Iran and other issues.
Adm. Fallon last year was the first Navy official named the commander of the United States Central Command in the Middle East.
"Adm. Fallon's decision to resign is a disappointment to those of us who viewed his reputation for candor as an essential asset in his role as CENTCOM commander," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "Fallon was viewed in Congress as someone who was careful, forthright, and direct. His departure is a loss for the country and, if it was engineered by the Administration over policy differences, that loss is compounded significantly."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid echoed Mrs. Pelosi.
"I am concerned that the resignation of Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of all U.S. forces in the Middle East and a military leader with more than three decades of command experience, is yet another example that independence and the frank, open airing of experts' views are not welcomed in this administration," Mr. Reid said in a release. "It is also a sign that the administration is blind to the growing costs and consequences of the Iraq war, which has so damaged America's security interests in the Middle East and beyond."
Some Republican leaders on Capitol Hill declined to comment, though Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican, offered praise for the 63-year-old commander.
"Admiral Fallon served our country with honor for over four decades," Mr. McCain said in a statement issued by his presidential campaign. "Under Adm. Fallon's leadership at Central Command, the situation in Iraq has improved dramatically. All Americans should be grateful for Adm. Fallon's service, and respect his decision to retire. I am confident President Bush will act promptly to select the right person to lead Central Command at this critical juncture."
--Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times
Comments (10)
Are you really naive enough to believe that it was his decision to retire? Look forward now to an attack on Iran.
Posted by Don | March 12, 2008 12:40 PM
Rumsfeld may be gone but his effects linger on! I am confused, is this not the war that President declared won already sometime back? Things are certainly looking up now, John McCain has promised to find Osamba Bin Laden at all costs once elected! I am just afraid those costs may be to high...
Posted by RALPH MATTHEWS | March 12, 2008 12:49 PM
We're not attacking Iran any time soon. And does it really matter if his decision to retire was his? He is not an elected offical and the military is an executive branch office. As such the President has the right to pick and choose who he puts in certain positions. That's how the Constitution is written. Grow up and deal with it.
Posted by Keith | March 12, 2008 12:54 PM
I, and other independants for sure, are awating an honest comment from Sen. McCain other than a DECISION TO RETIRE copout comment.
Posted by AL | March 12, 2008 1:41 PM
Note to Sen. John McCain,
A lot of us would like you to consider Adm. Fallon as your candidate for VP. If not he, how about Colin Powell? America needs a credible team to guide us through these perilous times.
Posted by JimB | March 12, 2008 2:48 PM
Reid and Pelosi's statements were to be expected but that doesn't make them any less nauseating. They were only using Admiral Fallon's retirement to gain political capital against President Bush, or they would have simply espoused his achievements. They were church mice when Murtha called our military murderers, Kennedy called them torturer's and Durbin called them Nazi's. Pelosi was exquisitely silent when our troops returning from Iraq were denied the use of the facilities at Oakland CALIFORNIA, Airport and has said nothing about Berkeley CALIFORNIA ousting the USMC recruiters. "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" Edmund Burke One of these days they are going to surprise us and do what is good for the country and not the Democratic Party.
Posted by Larry Stone | March 12, 2008 2:50 PM
Isn't there some way Congress can stop the maniac in the White House from dragging us into a third conflict?
Posted by Eagle | March 12, 2008 4:11 PM
Well, now that the good admiral has left, voluntarily or not, the gate is now wide open for "America's New Adventures in Iran." There is still time to fabricate some "intelligence" to get us there, too- just in time for McCain's election for President!
Posted by Marc | March 12, 2008 4:23 PM
Like McCain sang: "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran"
Posted by Keith | March 12, 2008 9:28 PM
The amazing thing about this is the Illuminati is fueling both sides of the conflict. They infiltrate the US Government and the Extremists. They create the conflict and when all is hell, they offer the solution; New World Order.
We've seen this twice now, come on people, it's not a conspiracy........it's reality.
Posted by V | March 12, 2008 10:24 PM