McCrystal is following orders. It may or may not actually be his fault. I don't know yet how much blame he should get, apart from Barry's rules. But Yon is directly on point-- we're going to lose Afghanistan unless something changes and soon.
You are wrong. McChrystal is, and has been, responsible for the new ROE. American field commanders and NATO Commanders have been complaining vociferously because he has made them so vulnerable and made life a whole lot tougher for the troops than they ever should be.
The medal for “Courageous Restraint” is a medal that for the most part, should anyone actually win it, will be awarded posthumously.
McChrystal sold his soul for another star. Pure and simple.