fallons exit provokes concern on path of bush

Fallon's Exit Provokes Concern on Path of Bush's Iran Policy

By Janine Zacharia and Ken Fireman

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Admiral William Fallon's resignation as U.S. commander in the Middle East provoked criticism that President George W. Bush won't tolerate dissent and fed speculation his Iran policy could become more confrontational.

"Congress needs to determine immediately whether Admiral Fallon's resignation is another example of truth tellers being forced to the sidelines in the Bush administration," said Senator John Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat who lost to Bush in the 2004 election. "His departure must not clear the way for a rush to war with Iran."

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that Fallon, 63, was resigning over perceived differences on Iran policy with the Bush administration as Fallon was starting an Iraq visit yesterday. Fallon will retire from the Navy at the end of March.

"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 his area of responsibility, known as Central Command, Fallon said in a statement.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a U.S. senator from New York, called Fallon a "sensible voice" that supported "engaging Iran." She urged her colleagues to back a bill requiring Bush to get congressional approval before taking any military action against Iran.

Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska lamented Fallon's departure, saying in an interview with Bloomberg Television that he was "very concerned to see him go."

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at http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aBGINjvWpLaU&refer=us

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