The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Washington

The commander of US forces in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, is stepping down because reports that he differed with President George W. Bush over Iran had become "a distraction."

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Tuesday that he had accepted Fallon's resignation "with reluctance and regret," saying there was a "misperception" that the admiral was at odds with the administration over Iran. In a statement, Bush praised the admiral for his more than 40 years of service but made no mention of an article in Esquire magazine that prompted Fallon to step down. Fallon "served this country with honor, determination and commitment," Bush said.

But the sudden departure of the head of the US Central Command drew an avalanche of criticism from top Democrats who suggested that he had been forced out because of his candor. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called it "yet another example that independence and the frank, open airing of experts' views are not welcomed in this administration."