TexasPete:

Frankly the obscene ROE that is designed to protect civillians is the main reason the job can't get done with the troops in place.

You think? The Soviets weren't burdened with concern for civilian lives, and they couldn't conquer Afghanistan by the liberal application of firepower. Neither will we. The only prospect of success we have their is an alliance with some Afghan faction or other that has its own interest in defeating the Taliban