We were frequently advised to be careful with how we communicate toward other people of different cultural backgrounds while in the service. This could just be a “common sense” reminder that we be civil in our engagement with the world.
Betrayus is being a politically correct ass.
Of course, we should be prudent. But what Petraeus is saying goes much further than that, especially taking into consideration his history. When he was a general in Afghanistan he openly got mixed up in the Terry Jones Koran-burning controversy, although a military officer has no jurisdiction over a civilian. Also, the U.S. Army burned Bibles in Afghanistan. Do you see a pattern here?