[Ryzorian]

All rules of engagement are done by civilians in Washington, it's how it is, always has been. That's kinda why the president is "commander in chief," he set's combat operation policy. The Bomb's that were droped on Japan were droped By Truman's order, not some generals. It's the same thing here, the president tell's the army how he wants the war carried out and they try to find a way to achieve that.

General Petraeus has allready re organized the combat operations and use of force to a dagree, within the limited parameter's as set by the current administration, wich severally limit's what can and can't be done. It's why McCrystal complained and ended up getting fired. Wether Patreaus can win this with one hand tied behind his back, blindfolded and hopping on one foot, because that's how the civilian in charge want's him to do it, remains to be seen.

You fight battles to win, sometimes you have to get dirty to do that. If you don't allow the troops to get dirty, they won't win. I understand the knight in shineing armor comeing in to save the day, but knights who actually fight, won't have shiny armor.