A door swings both ways. Imposing overly restrictive rules of engagement saves civilian casualties from activities of coalition forces, but allows the Taliban to kill civilians with impunity.
As bad as things are in Afghanistan, the fact that Afghans are starting to get angry at troops about their rules of engagement which prevent them from killing Taliban where civilian casualties are at risk, might be a good sign.
The key to success in Iraq was winning the hearts and minds of those living in the western provinces of Anbar, After years of abuse by ruling Al Qaeda thugs, the citizens finally supported the U.S. troops.