far different than in the days when bombing cities to demoralize the nation at war was an method used to end the war. civilians were always targets in wars, the intent to take the will to fight out of the population and therefor not support the government that got them into it.

With regards to your statement, you need to realize the Air Force is trying to minimize the casualties while the real terrorist are doing their best to exploit those civilians as a shield. There are numerous examples of this in every day activities among these groups in the Middle East, from the putting weapons on the roofs of schools and hospitals to putting armed men into regular households for shelter.

I am not sure what the best plan is, I would prefer to just leave but the world doesn't want to be at peace or at least a large section is still trying to determine who or what will be in charge