This NYT article seems to me to tell it like it is for one US unit in the area http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/magazine/24afghanistan-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Seems to me that NATO forces are somewhat hampered by their ROE. To democratise Afghanistan will take several generations, and they have to do it themselves. Meanwhile, let’s take a leaf out of the British RAJ playbook:

First, you negotiate with the recalcitrant tribes/villages/raiders. If more trouble, then you fine them heavily – and it’s a group fine. If they don’t pay (which they didn’t usually) then you seize all their livestock. Still more trouble, so threaten them that you will knock down their villages (threat most effective just before winter)Tell them when – so there’s the least chance of collateral damage. Still troublesome,then it’s “butcher, burn & bolt” time. You lay waste the valley – leave it a free fire zone – and your punitive expedition returns to base. Simple, effective and with no hiccups unless it’s the 21st century and the Press gets hold of the story…

PS. Don’t know if the 1st Lt who was killed at Wanak was in command.