The recent fight in Najaf resulting in the deaths of hundreds of insurgents
was textbook. Locals got intel from locals, reconned and called in heavy
air support from the U.S. I still believe this is the best way and it would allow
a relatively small (10,000-20,000) group US advisors/leaders/firebirds backed by
heavy fix-wing air support to wait until insurgents mass - then take them out.
Then securing the borders to cutoff resupply might just work.

I hope Gen. Petraeus gets there soon, and moves us in this direction within a few
months...he just might...he seems to have a feel for the ground. He's my last hope.