You actually can, though you have to be ruthless. When pansies make policy decisions that inhibit the ability to kill the enemy wherever they may be, you effect the outcome.
For instance, human shields have been used many times, knowing full well that politicians would rather the target stand instead of having dead women and children on TV the next day. In Afghanistan and Iraq, weapons and fighters often were kept/stayed in mosques since it was policy not to attack such places.
When you direct your military forces to "rebuild" instead of annihilating the enemy, you will effect the outcome.
It doesn't stop there, I can go on if you wish.