We were outnumbered—at least two to one, but probably closer to three to one. There were police on the roof with machine guns and AK-47s.

When Crissman met Hamid on the ground outside of their vehicles he calmly exchanged the cultural greetings, hugs, and handshakes and attempted to vent the pressure.

The general’s response was that they were heading into Hit to have lunch

“If I go to lunch with you, do I need to bring my machine gun too?”

Crissman stood calmly beside Hamid and smiled as I snapped a couple of photos. After the last photo, Crissman deftly grabbed Hamid’s pistol out of his unsnapped holster, smiled, and said, “This hurts me more than it hurts you, but I’m going to need you to come with me, General.”