This is NOT good news!

Fallon resigns as Mideast military chief
AP
11 March 2008
WASHINGTON - The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East resigned Tuesday amid speculation about a rift over U.S. policy in Iran. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Adm. William J. Fallon, whose area of responsibility includes Iraq, had asked for permission to retire and that Gates agreed.

News & commentary for the past week or so has featured rumors of Fallon's resignation.

The downside: Adm Fallon appeared to be a steady voice against military action against Iran.

The upside: I'm trying hard to think of an upside to this news...

... the rumor-mill suggests W seeks someone more pliant, more willing to consider use of force in pre-emptive strike against Iran.

This is just rumor - I've seen no reporting from anyone who's in a position to know... but it sounds plausible.

Were the news not so unsettling, I'd launch into my "conspiracy theory" - this move certainly supports it! (Retaliatory strike against Iran in response to Hezbollah attack on U.S.)

Sigh.