I don't why the level is there to be honest. But then, I'm of the opinion the entire SP campaign structure and narrative is awful. Good action, but terrible, terrible narrative.
The level itself simply doesn't work for me. I don't see why they'd go for cheap publicity, and maybe IW really feel they were trying something risky - but personally, as someone well educated and versed on literature and cinema and narrative devices, I have to say they didn't really make it work.
Also, having a cheap gag right in the middle of the level undermines totally any argument for depth or a serious attempt to convey something shocking in the narrative.
But then this is a game that imagines Russia would invade America after a terrorist attack where an undercover American was shot by his own accomplices after the attack - i.e. it's simply not really worth expending energy trying to take it's plot and narrative seriously in the least.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
