&gt;how does that in any way excuse or lessen any atrocities it commits?<p>Rule of law does not excuse or lessen atrocities, it defines them.  Moreover, the laws of war are specifically designed to lessen&#x2F;avoid atrocities by limiting: 1.  When a nation-state may engage in the use of armed force, and 2.  How a nation-state may actually use armed force.<p>Having an open mind, I ask you to look within and ask whether the US is specifically targeting civilians, or has simply targeted military actors hiding among civilian populations?  No matter what you answer, you must acknowledge IS is responsible for planning&#x2F;executing military style attacks against civilians specifically.<p>We can agree to disagree, certainly there is nothing wrong with an all life is sacred approach, but you should not feel deeply disturbed that the law distinguishes between responding to a military attack with the use of force targeted at those most responsible and a non-state actor engaging in terrorist&#x2F;quasi-military attacks against civilian populations?