Resignation of U.S. Military Commander for the Middle East

Today Admiral William J. Fallon, the highest ranking U.S. military commander for the Middle East, resigned from his position after 41 years of military service. He held this last position for only one year. Previously, the title was held by Army General John Abizaid. His resignation comes on the heels of a recent article in the Esquire in which Mr. Fallon came out against the prospect of any U.S. military action against Iran in order to halt an alleged nuclear program. Mr. Fallon stated that the ensuing reports about a disconnect between him and the White House on the specific policy toward Iran had made it difficult to carry out his job. The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has repeatedly denied that Mr. Fallon's resignation was related to or in connection with any perceived difference in approach to Iran.

Whatever the reason for Mr. Fallon's resignation, it does lead a reasonable person to believe that if you're not in line with the Bush administration's Middle East policy, you could be pressured into stepping down from your current position. Evidence of this fact can be seen throughout the various levels of government from the military (i.e., Mr. Fallon and Mr. Abizaid) to the numerous federal attorney generals forced to resign due to pressure from the Department of Justice. These continuous resignations of experienced high-level government employees, although not solid proof of pressure by the Bush administration, do lend credence to the idea that strong political pressure exists and is ready be exerted if you do not agree with Bush's policies.