I’m sure Petraues is familar with the concept of total war, but he’s not the one setting the strategy for Afghanistan.
The current CIC sets the policy of political relationships with Afghanistan's leadership with the tone of securing the country. He also dictates Rules of Engagement for our military.
Petraues is over all commander of coalition forces including NATO. His statement, I would expect, was meant for Karzai's ears and the tribal leaders along the the warlords.
The muslims will stomp and howl but a church in Florida will exercise their right of free speech on Saturday, the 11th.