Is this tactically true, strategically true, personally held to be true, an approximation of the truth, conveniently true, temporarily true, or the truth? My respect for Petraeus is being questioned by his statements.
It might be tactical, it might be strategic, it might also be heartfelt, but his saying this in aid of his mission there would seem to me to distance himself from America as a whole, which would call into question his legitimacy of command to those in Afghanistan who think about these things, weakening his mission rather than defending it. Why should they listen to him now, if he’s saying that the country he represents, our traditions and laws, are not to be respected when in conflict with their traditions and laws?
I believe that in the way of diplomacy he had to say what he said....that said, I HATE THE WORD TOLERANCE!!!!