Reacting to Civilian Bombing Deaths in Afghanistan

NYT: Civilian Risks Curbing Strikes in Afghan War

...American and allied commanders said that even as orders for air attacks in Afghanistan had increased significantly this year, their ability to strike top insurgent leaders from the air was severely restricted by rules intended to minimize civilian casualties.

The rules that govern dropping bombs and firing missiles are far more restrictive now in Afghanistan than in Iraq...

The rules of engagement were reviewed and tightened in 2007 after a spate of civilian casualties...

According to the United Nations, 698 civilians were killed in the first six months of this year, compared with 430 in the same period last year.