March 12, 2008 (LPAC)--In public statements issued following news of the resignation of Admiral William Fallon as Commander, U.S. Central Command, both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator James Webb expressed their admiration for Fallon, his "multi-pronged strategy towards Iran" and his "strategic vision." Senator Clinton stated that she is "asking that the Senate Armed Services Committee hold hearings into the circumstances surrounding his departure." Senator Webb stated that Fallon's "decision to resign abruptly in the midst of the war in Iraq raises a number of serious questions that I hope will be answered over the course of the next few days.... In the coming days and weeks, I hope that we can call on Admiral Fallon to more directly share his thoughts and concerns with the American people."

Senator Clinton, while referring to Admiral Fallon as a "voice of reason in an administration which has used inflammatory rhetoric against Iran," reported that she is also urging her "colleagues to join [her] in supporting Senator Webb's legislation requiring the Administration to come to Congress before taking military action against Iran. Admiral Fallon's resignation should not be used as an excuse to ratchet up tensions with Iran."

Fallon's resignation comes just days before Vice President Dick Cheney is scheduled to visit Southwest Asia on a 10 day trip beginning on March 16.