I was pointing out that the mere threat of the "surge" has those aholes scrambling to make nice. Personally I think Sadr City(shiite terrorist stronghold) should be made an example of, as well as Fallujah(sunni terrorist stronghold). Cordon off both cities, announce that all citizens who wish to leave can do so unarmed through checkpoints there to catch the occasional disguised known terrorist and then level both areas. No house to house search, just level the bastards. Now thats "gloves off".
Isn't it quite telling that everytime someone steps up to answer their little calls to jihad they duck for cover? I am in agreement with you, a Fallujah style operation is full well warranted and it might just come to that in Sadr city.
I would point out though that seeing them stand down would be quite beneficial from the perspective of presenting quick gains demonstrating progress.
Here is the basic standoff as I see it. They say 'you leave and we stop blowing up bombs'. We say 'no, you stop blowing up bombs and we will leave'. This is where the 'surge' comes in. W upped the anty with a third option. More bombs means more soldiers come in.
Sadr should be a dead man but us taking that step, as opposed to Iraqi forces taking that step, creates it's own set of problems. From that perspective, getting them to stand down in this way could prove to be quite positive. Especially if we can cut of the Iranian money and supply lines that afford him and his thugs the ability to cause so much trouble.
I could have it pegged wrong but I think major progress is afoot. I think Democrats and even some fool Republicans are about to regret their current and past positions big time.