[ngat]

That is the take Muhammaed Lila wants you to have on his story.

I don’t think there is anything at all unusual or remarkable about it.

[slumber1]

It is unusual. The following is from the NYT story:

Normally, American forces in Afghanistan keep their weapons with them when the defense secretary visits and speaks to them. The Afghans in the tent waiting for Mr. Panetta were not armed to begin with, as is typical.

Later, American officials said that the top commander in Helmand, Maj. Gen. Mark Gurganus, had decided on Tuesday that no one would be armed while Mr. Panetta spoke to them, but the word did not reach those in charge in the tent until shortly before Mr. Panetta was due to arrive.

General Gurganus told reporters later that he wanted a consistent policy for everyone in the tent. “You’ve got one of the most important people in the world in the room,” he said. He insisted that his decision had nothing to do with the shooting on Sunday. “This is not a big deal,” he said.

No big deal....nothing to see here....move along, move along...

[Abundy]

I don’t think there is anything at all unusual or remarkable about it.

Then you haven't spent any time down south with the Marines.

[phormer phrog phlyer]

I was in Baghdad in 07 when VP Cheney visited the IZ (Green Zone) working in the Embassy, I like all other military types had our M-9’s securely strapped on when he was there. I was within about 20 feet of him. No one said a word. This is a lack of trust, he obviously felt a threat or they would have not been disarmed. Sad, very sad.