Panetta's Laughter

I'm just wondering. What is Leon Panetta smiling about in those visits to Afghanistan? I've just seen a photo of his arrival there, meeting with the American ambassador and the military commander John Allen -- who has nothing to smile about, neither personally nor professionally -- and Panetta is all smiles. And this is not the first time; in other instances the U.S. Secretary of Defense seems to feel good about the occasion.  From a purely public-relations perspective, such levity doesn't look right.  Although no one expects them to get teary-eyed, a somber appearance in public would be more appropriate, given the country's situation and the role the U.S. plays in it, especially in the killing of innocent women, children and old people.

If they want to laugh it off, they should have the decency to do it in private.

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