I believe what's needed is overwhelming force--evidenced by such a question as: why is Sadarr and his militia still living? I think we could take out most of them--by air--and still can but we must have the political willingness to do the job once and for all. As far as Iran, the same thing. Use what we have to remove enemies. That way we lose fewer troops in the process and take out more islamofascists at the same time. I think we need to make a decision to win and to win, we have to do far more than police anybody. We apparently haven't decided to win, yet.
(Though the left and democrats have already decided to lose).
Because Counter Insurgency is not Total War. It would be wise for the Arm Chair Generals to learn the difference