G-man has a point here, following from what I said. The people applauding the Authority were those, it seems to me, who abhor the US invasion of Iraq.
Do the ends justify the means? Once I would have said yes. Hell, I did say yes. Now I say no. (Primarily though because we have't got the ends.)
Comic book writers don't want Superman etc. to change the planet for two reasons: first, it isn't reflected in reality and Superman's appeal works from the perspective of a contemporary environment (which is why Lex was never going to stay President). Second, its very very political and polarising to have Superman attack a regime because he disagrees with its internal domestic policies. So instead, writers have Superman ignore the screams of the tortured and raped across the world. Bit disturbing when you think of it like that.
