I think the reason the Dutch were operationally hamstrung was possibly due to a lack of recent operational experience. Their last war was in Indonesia in the late 40's. I have no doubt that a British or French or even an American force would have faced an impossible position with a different mindset because they had a history of facing overwhelming odds and prevailing. I read an article about the Aussies taking over from the Dutch in Helmand Province. The Dutch were more interested in getting to know the locals to keep the peace, the Aussies backed up hearts and minds with patrolling. Not suggesting the Dutch are timid, they just have a different way of approaching a problem.