Generals call for Rumsfeld to resign over role in Iraq war

SEVERAL high-ranking US generals have called for the removal of Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over his handling of planning for the Iraq war.

Retired Maj Gen John Batiste said while he had not talked to the other generals, the clamour for Mr Rumsfeld to step down is "happening for a reason".

Gen Batiste, who commanded the 1st Infantry Division forces in Iraq, said he declined an opportunity for promotion to the rank of lieutenant general and return to the war-torn country as the No 2 US military officer because he could not accept Mr Rumsfeld's tough management style.