the populations in most areas do NOT support them. see the other thread running now on the Najaf residents turning against Sadr. This is exactly what we need to promote. If we were instead bombing Najaf as many suggest here, that situation would be turned completely around.
I indicate that it is the case that the majority supports our efforts. I also have not indicated that we should do this to Najaf. I do believe we should do so in Fallujah after we give an appropriate opportunity for unconditional surrender of combatants and escape of those who so desire.
Doing so in Fallujah would probably be enough to cow the rest...but if not, then we do it again, and again, and again to other similar places that fit the same mold until they sue for abject peace.
Sorry, but it is way past time to treat the Islamic Jihadists and those who support them exactly like we did the Nazis and Japanese. I believe that nothing else will prove workable in the short or long term.