Protesters Line Up For Petraeus-Crocker Appearance At Senate Armed Services Panel

By John Bresnahan

(The Politico)  About a half-dozen protesters, dressed in burqas and wearing makeup to make them look like they're dead, and carrying signs saying "I will not be silent" "Surge of Peace!" are standing up in the crowd preparing for today's appearance by Gen. David Petraeus, U.S. commander in Iraq, and Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

The protesters, who look like some Code Pink regulars, have already been warned that Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the committee, will not be allowed to disrupt the session. They can stand silently and hold signs, but any vocal outbursts will result in their removal from the hearing. Reporters are busily interviewing the protesters now.

Petraeus, for his part, made an appearance at 8:35 a.m. to check out the witness table and hearing room. Petraeus also greeted some reporters he knows.

Update - Now the protesters are chanting "Stop the killing!" Capitol Police are already moving to surround them.